Here we will see why graffiti can be considered art. Remembering the definition of what art is, it is evident that the sources provided make it true that graffiti can be a foundation of art…
- In the Encyclopedia of American Studies, “Graffiti”, published by Johns Hopkins University Press in 2010, author Jeff Ferrell talks about graffiti and its’ different purposes. However, one purpose that stood out was “political graffiti”. Political graffiti is used to convey a certain message to the public or government (i.e. animal rights, change in the world). Political graffiti is just one reason why graffiti is used for good and be a form of art. Artists are using their first amendment right (freedom of speech) to declare what they feel and want to say. There is nothing wrong with this type of graffiti other than it being a powerful, strong, encouraging message to society.
Here is a piece done by graffiti and street art, artist Banksy. This specific piece really stood out to me and made me think. I believe this was the initial goal of Banksy to make society look twice and think about it in a different way, as do many other political graffiti pieces. “I want change” is a play on words because it is not talking about money, however, by "change" he means change in society and our country. After seeing this image it had me thinking how could such a powerful piece be considered vandalism? In my opinion for this specific image the problem here is not the graffiti, but society thinking this is vandalism.
Banksy. “Keep Your Coins I want Change.” Photograph. I Heart Inspiration. I Heart Inspiration, 2013. Web. 1 May 2014.
- The newscast, “A Museum Honors the Glory days of Graffiti Art”, produced by CBS News in 2014, this newscast’s main idea was to investigate graffiti's meaning while also giving reasons why graffiti is art. The newscast then goes in depth with graffiti artists Futura 2000, Daze, and Lady Pink, all whose work is being shown at the new exhibit. Along with interviewing the three former graffiti artists, the newscast decides to interview the museum exhibit creator Sean Corcoran. Sean Corcoran speaks on behalf of the graffiti artists saying how much skill and effort this kind of art takes, and believes that there is a real creative value to this type of work. Another reason why graffiti is art. It takes skill, creativeness, and pure talent to be able to do what these artists do, like any other type of art. This is not just a rebellious act, it takes planning, practice and time. The former artists that were interviewed mentioned it was more than just art for them, it was their live, their passion. Artists should not be referred to as criminals or doing criminal acts because they are not. Their art is their passion.
Here is one piece that was shown in the newscast that was created by artist Lady Pink (one of the former graffiti artists that was being interviewed). I think this piece is not threatening to the city at all, instead I think it has a good meaning. The title of this piece is “The Death of Graffiti”, meaning due to critics in society that do not appreciate it are killing the artists’ passion. I believe this piece has beauty, talent, and the ability to be interpreted anyway the audience wants it to be.
Lady Pink. “The Death of Graffiti.” Photograph. UntappedCities. Untapped Cities, 2013. Web. 2 May 2014.
The video above was created by graffiti/street artist Banksy. He labeled this piece of work "Sirens of the Lambs" in regards of the animals slaughter house. In the video it contains stuffed animals whose heads are sticking out the side of the truck squealing and crying. As the truck drives around through New York, many citizens are watching and questioning the piece that Banksy created. Although this necessary is not "graffiti" it represents the "art" part of street art. When looking back at the definition of what is art; art is visual language. This truck with the animals squealing is speaking to society and saying that animal slaughter is not okay, and instead of just doing a protest or something typical, Banksy wants to physically show it to society. This piece of work is considered street art and it is a political statement, I think it is important to understand that not all artists are trying to "ruin" property for fun but rather to speak their mind and stand up for what they believe in.