by T. Phillips
Reprinted from the Valley Village Voice newsletter
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by T. Phillips Reprinted from the Valley Village Voice newsletter |
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| Graffiti.
Just saying the word can usually spark lively - even heated - discussions. In general terms, graffiti refers to words, inscriptions, designs, pictures, etc. appearing on a variety of surfaces. Graffitti can be found in public bathroom stalls, on sides of buildings, on rocks in parks, in the countryside, and, in fact, almost anywhere. Sometimes it consists of a word or words, often obscene; sometimes a name or a date; a phrase or two, a solicitation, various types of scribblings and forms, uplifting messages or slanderous ones, poetry, even political statements. Almost all graffiti is unauthorized. Executing graffitti on the streets or any other public area has long been a subject of intense debate. By far the most serious differences of opinions centre on the suitability of the subject matter of graffiti as well as on the appropriateness of many of the surfaces that graffiti generators choose to use. A suggestion for preventing graffiti from appearing anywhere and everywhere has been to set-up a special "graffiti wall." But still the battle would continue concerning content and many former places of choice would likely still see their share of graffiti. As we all know, no one has the right to touch, without permission, property owned by others. Individuals who do graffiti know this too, and still they continue.
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Right now, many municipalities, groups, and individuals are
waging "ware" against graffiti. It seems to be the only
possible way, at present, to keep public and privately owned property
clear of unwanted graffiti. There are graffiti removal groups and
companies, special cleaning products and kits, and even treatment sprays
to make surfaces inhospitable to graffiti.
All of these methods will make a difference and make for cleaner communities. But perhaps a new view - acceptable to everyone - could be to like at graffiti as a style of modern painting - part of the legitimate art world. Since appearing more and more from the 1980's onward, and led by American artist Keith Haring, graffiti has been able to achieve some positive recognition. Graffiti artist such as the late Jean-Michel Basquiat have formed their graffiti art on canvases raising the work to new levels. Perhaps all graffiti can continue but in a different way. For those who would do graffiti, re-invent yourselves. Step forward and:
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