OPINION
BY ASHA HARRIS Junior
BLYTHEWOOD--Incognito has just came out with its 18th edition of a magazine with 65 plus pages of graffiti art and different stylings of different artist.
There is a new style of graffiti called Reverse Graffiti where artist take the dirt of highways and walls and create murals instead of having the normal trash and dirt.
Graffiti is a style of art in its own it does not fall under any rule of art. It started from the simple tagging on subways to the complex and intricate beauties we see everyday.
If people put their heart into making different arts on places the common eye will appeal to then why not make these acts of good be considered a public display of art rather than vandalism.
It is a question as should graffiti be publically considered art and not vandalism and Blythewood high school art teacher Margaret Roberson has a belief on both ends of the spectrum.
“Absolutely, Graffiti has been considered an art for many years now. Many pieces of graffiti art work takes countless hours of planning and preparation to complete. Plus, many graffiti artist must overcome a hurdle that other artist do not; they must involve the ‘canvas’ or the surface they are working on to be part of their art aesthetically. There are many artist that take graffiti style in their artwork and those that are becoming graffiti artist for their work on the streets; Banksy, Fairey, Basquiat to name a few,” Roberson said.
There are two types of graffiti.It is graffiti through art and graffiti through vandalism it just a matter on which a person is more passionate about.
I went out and experienced what people may call graffiti through vandalism. I helped a friend’s uncle who was out painting, and it was exciting and fun. We were able to openly express ourselves through the can and the art.
If that’s illegal then being able to speak one’s mind through any type of art should be.
“I personally believe that there are those artists that are good at their craft and those that are not. Does not mean that their work should not be considered art. I sometimes enjoy, particularly when I am not on my way to school, being the first car stopped at the train crossing so that I can look at the art show as it passes by. Is it vandalism? yes! Is it illegal? yes! Is it pretty?, Yes!,” said Roberson.
Vandalism is the action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property.
If we look at this definition and the definition of graffiti;which is writings or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place; yes maybe the public place matches but other that graffiti isn't destruction it is an artist trying to express themselves.
You have to think to yourself how many time do u see graffiti and think if that isn't creativity I don’t know what is.
Artist don't do graffiti to be destructive they do it to appeal to the world and show the world how they feel and their talents.
“ Check out the Hue Mural Festival in Houston Texas, Hosted by GONZO247 and Aerosol Warfare. Graffiti artist are making a statement!,” said Roberson.
