Today’s topic: Graffiti... or. as s0m3 pre7er, "8treet art"
I want to make my opinion about graffiti as clear as mud. There are two highly energetic opinions on this form of expression. It is NOT hard to tell which is which. There are those that call it vandalism. There are those that refer to it as art. Who is right? And more importantly what do you think? It seems that you really can't be on both sides of this debate. It is either criminal to perform, or criminal to prevent graffiti from happening.
Regardless of your opinion about graffiti, it is out there. And people take pictures of it. And unless you live far from "civilization", you see it quite often. There is no denying that some of these colorful expressions of spray paint on concrete are better than others. I will say that destruction of someone else’s property is not a good way to live. If someone scratched their picture into the paint of my car, I don't care how incredibly detailed it is, you just destroyed what I considered beautiful. (even if my car is a 1996 nissan sentra)
Despite all the back and forth that could go on over this, here is why it is the topic of the day. My friend that I helped move (mentioned on Friday) rented a BRAND NEW Rental truck for his move to the east coast. He rented it early Saturday morning, we filled it all day Saturday, and around 2am, some opportunistic "artists" left their mark. Now my friend had purchased the full level insurance, which covers graffiti, so he was spared the expense of re-painting the truck. But this truck was brand new. Less than 300 miles on it. I didn't get to see the piece myself, so I can't comment on how "good" it was. But this got me thinking about the whole thing.
Now we come to the point. I want this blog to be a place that can honor artistry in all its forms. There is no question that the creators of many of these urban tapestries have immense skill. But should this form of art be recognized in the art community? Please weigh in. In order to get the thought process going, here are today's top ten pictures of Graffiti
Can you keep a secret?
by Cynthia D. Photography
Prepare yourself! pt.2__2
by SoLidal
Optimus Prime - South Rd, Edwardstown
by witness 1
Searching Man
by alexhrdr
graffiti w starej mleczarni
by DruhScoff
Noll and Wilson Street, Brooklyn, New York City, 11237 (Ocean Wall)
by kezam
S O K E R
by i y e r s
zame - EKS
by NRSX
2nd Home, Sweet Home
by JoeJoeSmoe NYC - Brooklyn: Ebbets Field mural
by wallyg
So, what do you think? Please use the comment feature on this blog, or "flickr mail" me. Let me know... What do you guys think. Graffiti artists, why should you be allowed to destroy other peoples property? Anti-grafiti artists/photographers, why is this form of art less credible than another one? I want to hear your thoughts.
Finally, here is a poem on Authors Den by Safi Abdi
When the saint and the sinner are one and the same
When king and subject are similar in intent
When the evening shadow gulps down the morning star
When small beings destabilize their habitats
When your designs clash with the Lord’s Plans
Then dawns the annals of the written.
The earth’s chockfull of visitors’ flakes.
Yesterday he hoarded; a perfect nuisance unrepentant.
Before that he was only a speck, a bird’s bite; toss-able by the wind
Afterwards just a heap of sorrowfulness;
Excess baggage…that’s the hindrance catastrophic
If man had any wits at all he’d apologize to his host
Or read his story to his ego.
Regardless of what you think... Enjoi