A red brick wall is only tempting to an artist due to its vulnerability. It’s a clean slate, a fresh start for someone to tell their story. Graffiti, although misunderstood, is an art crime that is feared in society. And it is only if society looks past the negative undertone that graffiti can truly be appreciated.
Graffiti has marked its place in society since the beginning of time. From the hieroglyphics in Egypt to the catacombs of Rome, writings on the wall have been able to tell more than just a forgotten story. In fact, during WW2 society was introduced to what is now known as the famous “Mr. Chad” graffiti. A cartoon face used for propaganda during the time periods of rationing. As time progressed so did the influence on graffiti. No longer was it used to remember history, but instead to mark territory. The 20th century was the first era to witness the use of graffiti by gangs. Empty walls were covered with drawings, each representing a different gang. Eventually these symbols were named, and “tagging” became a common art. Still today the evolution of graffiti has come a long way. This popular art form has found a way to brighten up city walls, bring life to abandoned buildings and give character to passing trains. Yet despite all of this, society still wishes to strip the world of its colour.
When looking at it from a political viewpoint, graffiti is seen as a form of rebellion. In fact it is clear that we view graffiti in this way due to the mass amounts of artwork that convey negative or provocative messages. In United States, cities such as New York and Chicago have already banned the art of graffiti. And it wont be long before Canada follows suit. In 2006 London, Ontario became the first city in Canada to put an end to graffiti. A law was passed stating that no one under the age of 18 was enabled to purchase markers or spray paint of any kind. This law mimics those that were passed in the states. This past year in the US, 29,645 people died from guns, but spray paint is banned. Something tells me we rid the wrong weapon.
Graffiti may very well be considered a crime, but last time I checked there was no death toll warning on the spray cans. The only harm regarding graffiti is banning it. Graffiti is a form of art that has been embraced vastly by teens. By finding their inner passion, teens are able to express themselves through the artistry seen on walls. In most cases the beauty in the message of graffiti is lost to its ability to mark territory. If society could learn to eliminate the negativity in graffiti, someday this form of art might be appreciated for what it really is. I mean if Michelangelo was allowed to express himself on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, how can society forbid teens from wanting to do the same?
We are taught in school to express ourselves through words. We are brought up to believe that we have freedom of speech, that we have the ability to show our inner passions by expressing them through art. However, we are allowing fear to blacken the colours of our imagination. Society might be able to take the art off the streets, but they won’t take the heart out of the artist. If graffiti is a crime then blame everyone who has ever created something. We’ve let musicians and authors fill our minds, but now its time to let the real artists graffiti our lives.