Vandalism vs. Art
What is considered as art? Does it have to be displayed in a gallery to be considered as art? Do you have to be accepted into an art program to be considered as an artist?
The answers to the questions above varies by individuals and depends on the reasons he/she makes art. Art can come in various shapes or form and it does not have to be displayed in an art gallery to be considered as art. There are performance pieces being performed on the street and installations being created in hallways. An artist can make art for the sole purpose of selling their art and making money or make art for art's sake. Through the debate of what can be considered as art lies another debate: Is graffiti vandalism or art?
As part of the Hip Hop culture, graffiti emerged as an outlet for creativity for those trying to express their identity because of its rebellious nature. Graffiti emerged because people felt derived of their individual value and cultural identity. It is a symbolic language of communication used to express individual and/or group identity. It is a form of expression and an outlet for those striving for social change because it raises awareness of political, social, economical and cultural issues. In the past, gangs were formed in the United States because of the oppression of African-Americans to live in a separate neighbourhood and were not allowed to step foot outside after dark rebellion would result in police brutality.
The answers to the questions above varies by individuals and depends on the reasons he/she makes art. Art can come in various shapes or form and it does not have to be displayed in an art gallery to be considered as art. There are performance pieces being performed on the street and installations being created in hallways. An artist can make art for the sole purpose of selling their art and making money or make art for art's sake. Through the debate of what can be considered as art lies another debate: Is graffiti vandalism or art?
As part of the Hip Hop culture, graffiti emerged as an outlet for creativity for those trying to express their identity because of its rebellious nature. Graffiti emerged because people felt derived of their individual value and cultural identity. It is a symbolic language of communication used to express individual and/or group identity. It is a form of expression and an outlet for those striving for social change because it raises awareness of political, social, economical and cultural issues. In the past, gangs were formed in the United States because of the oppression of African-Americans to live in a separate neighbourhood and were not allowed to step foot outside after dark rebellion would result in police brutality.
Vandalism
What is vandalism? There is one difference between graffiti being considered as art or vandalism: Permission. If you do not have permission from the owner of that property to "tag", "throw up" or "bomb". Property owners may commission graffiti artists or donate walls for artists to create murals.
How does vandalism affect everyone in the community?
Because vandalism is a crime, not only will the individual vandalizing will be affected, but their family and members of the community. Youth who vandalize and get caught will have a record and although the offence can not be used against you after you turn 18, you will still have a criminal offence on record. There is also a serious health risk for the individual, if they are not using the proper equipment as spray paints/markers are inhalants. It may cost the city to remove or cover graffiti vandalism millions of dollars every year - money that could be spent on other things such as positive programs for social change.
Why do people vandalize?
The reasons why people vandalize are often overlooked by the crime of vandalism. Yes, some vandalize for attention in order to get themselves out there. Others vandalize in order to be heard. Are we really hearing them? Is graffiti removal sending a negative message? Often times youth who vandalize lack a sense of belonging, either to a group or to the community and are still figuring out their identity. There are talented artists out there who taught themselves to paint and worked hard to create something for the public to view and appreciate. I think that the money spent on graffiti removal should be used to create positive change - programs to help youth at risk, more community murals to be commissioned and creating awareness.
How does vandalism affect everyone in the community?
Because vandalism is a crime, not only will the individual vandalizing will be affected, but their family and members of the community. Youth who vandalize and get caught will have a record and although the offence can not be used against you after you turn 18, you will still have a criminal offence on record. There is also a serious health risk for the individual, if they are not using the proper equipment as spray paints/markers are inhalants. It may cost the city to remove or cover graffiti vandalism millions of dollars every year - money that could be spent on other things such as positive programs for social change.
Why do people vandalize?
The reasons why people vandalize are often overlooked by the crime of vandalism. Yes, some vandalize for attention in order to get themselves out there. Others vandalize in order to be heard. Are we really hearing them? Is graffiti removal sending a negative message? Often times youth who vandalize lack a sense of belonging, either to a group or to the community and are still figuring out their identity. There are talented artists out there who taught themselves to paint and worked hard to create something for the public to view and appreciate. I think that the money spent on graffiti removal should be used to create positive change - programs to help youth at risk, more community murals to be commissioned and creating awareness.
Art
There is a contradiction in the art world when it comes to the artist, Banksy. Banksy is a graffiti artist from the UK. He is known for his distinctive stenciling technique that promotes an alternative aspect of politics from the mainstream media. Others disagree that his works are merely vandalism.
There are some very talented people out there that just want their art to be appreciated by the public and need to be educated on how to transform the negative message they are sending by vandalizing to a positive one. There should not be a question on whether their works should be considered art or not because each individual is unique in their own way, with various talents. To me, Art is expressing oneself, the process of play and creating from one's imagination.
There are some very talented people out there that just want their art to be appreciated by the public and need to be educated on how to transform the negative message they are sending by vandalizing to a positive one. There should not be a question on whether their works should be considered art or not because each individual is unique in their own way, with various talents. To me, Art is expressing oneself, the process of play and creating from one's imagination.