Graffiti and street art
Graffiti and street art are forms of art that are surrounded by controversy, especially in urban areas. Some may argue that graffiti is destructive, while street art is acceptable. Others may argue that both are acceptable and a valuable addition to communities. One can also say that these forms of art are not only valuable to a community, but also add to the appeal of a city. Many cities hire street artists to paint regulated murals in the city to add to the city’s culture and increase visual appeal.
Street art, primarily, is focused on beautification, and art at its core.
“I think it’s a great thing. I think graffiti or street art adds to the city. It makes people stop and look for a second and forget their troubles for at least one moment, but it also makes the city more beautiful,” said Jason Inglis, an artist from Guelph who has also contributed to street art. Jason is involved with a project called Electric Street Art, which is a public initiative in Guelph that will be transforming hydro boxes into pieces of art.
However, should art be regulated? Are graffiti and street art not only art, but forms of speech? By regulating these forms of art, and deciding what can be shown and what can be covered up, are we violating free speech?
Firstly, let’s distinguish between the two forms of art. Graffiti, also known as “tagging,” tends to be for the artist, and is often a way for artists to communicate with each other using distinct “tags.” It is often viewed as vandalism by the public, and historically has a bad reputation. Graffiti, however, is a very unique movement, and can be quite liberating for the artist behind the spray can.
Street art is often perceived more positively than graffiti. The artists behind street art are less interested in “tagging,” and more interested in creating images that are appealing to the eye and portray a strong message – often a political one. Although it tends to be more socially accepted, street art is still considered against the law unless regulated by the city.
I had a chance to speak with a Guelph muralist, Blake Lipnicki, to gain some more insight on the topic.
“They do adopt different values,” says Blake on the two forms of art. “Street art, primarily, is focused on beautification, and art at its core. Whereas graffiti is born of typography, born of text, and the text is merely just a signifier for a pseudonym for the artist to live under.”
Blake went onto say that “There’s a lot more ego in graffiti, and often times you get a divide between really talented street artists who are choosing to apply their medium out in the public, and they are sharing the same space with this other community who are more focused on themselves or their crew or reputations. They conflict with one another.”
However, Blake agrees that both forms of art are equally relevant.
“That being said, there are so many parallels at the same time. Graffiti in its core is responsible for why street art is what it is today. But, graffiti needs street art to elevate it beyond just the letters,” explains Blake.
Let’s look at the notorious street artist Banksy and his case. He was arrested, and authorities are deciding on how to convict him – but should he be convicted? Was he committing a crime in the first place? Banksy is a political street artist who used his talent to produce breathtaking and controversial images of relevant societal issues. He used an art-form to make an impact on society and to voice opinions that might not otherwise be heard.
We can also look at the UK’s graffiti and street art scene in the 1960s – a time and place that saw many forms of social and cultural revolutions. Graffiti and street art were one of the main forms of expression during this era, because it is a form of expression that ensures that a message will be seen, especially if the person behind the spray can does not feel that they have a voice.
“Whether people realize it or not, its influence is already there. Even in the most miniscule one-horse towns, there’s always that element of unsanctioned human influence. It’s funny to me that we’re trying so hard to suppress that, when we’re trying to suppress an unknown variable – street art output.”
“It can be the worst, most offensive thing you’ve ever seen in the world, or it can be one of the most riveting and jaw-dropping things that makes you reevaluate your whole stance on other issues,” said Blake when asked how street art and graffiti can benefit a community.
Sure, there’s a difference between writing something awful and offensive on a wall with the full intention to offend the majority of viewers, but there is something to be said about suppressing forms of art. There are more than enough examples of graffiti and street art that portray strong and relevant messages, or are simply just beautiful to look at. For many urban communities, it is part of the community’s culture. When given empowerment, like any form of art, it can become something valuable.