From Voice ~ Topics: criticism, typography
A Graffiti Polemic
Contemporary graffiti pieces of the full-blown, Wild Style variety straddle the aesthetic fence between the vernacular and fine art, with the best work deserving the analysis of an educated eye, the kind usually reserved for galleries and museums. Graphically, graffiti “writers” work with letter-based forms and are concerned with personally derived font styles and execution; however, functional readability often takes a back seat to artistic expression, placing it firmly in the fine art camp.
Atlas, a Los Angeles graffiti artist, uses a decidedly formalist approach to make his letterforms “clean, proportioned and well balanced.” He says, “The amount of work you put into each letter shows… and every letter is a new problem to solve.”
Snobbery puts blinders on even the most erudite art appreciators who fail to recognize the merits of work from a can of spray paint, no matter how technically sophisticated it might be. Aesthetic sensitivity is in the eye of the beholder. Having an eye for one area of visual art does not necessarily translate broadly, so that, for example, even those familiar with modernist, abstract artists such as Robert Motherwell or Franz Kline, often regard graffiti pieces with condescension, begrudgingly acknowledging the craft as contemporary urban folk practice at best.
“I never stick to a regimen,” says Revok of his graffiti writing. “I might have a rough idea of what I’m going to do, but wherever I am in my life, in harmony, or combative with everything around me, that’s going to come out on the wall.”
Because graffiti has developed outside of the academy (and, importantly, outside of its control), outsiders rarely see it as a practice that goes beyond a stylish skill. But in fact, works produced by graffiti writers demonstrate a broad spectrum of expressions, from the obvious formal issues of design, to a fully formed poetic—crossing the dividing line between “high” and “low” art. Interestingly, most veteran graffiti writers recall the emotional impact that they felt—and felt was expressed by—the first example of powerful graffiti they encountered. The difference between snobbery and simply having individual preference for one aesthetic mode or another is the moral presumption people associate with their opinion. That is, those doing gallery or career-oriented art might presume, albeit unconsciously, that a gallery or museum based endeavor is intrinsically more worthy and of greater social value than graffiti. It is that judgmental stance that keeps one from engaging with less familiar modes of expression.
Letter-free abstract work by Kofie.
Snobbery, of course, cuts in any direction: graffiti writers tend to have blinders on, too, preventing them from appreciating or deeply understanding much of the classic art throughout history. While some would recognize a Matisse, would they also understand the radical aspects of his art, the line it treads between representation and abstraction, as well as his exquisite color formalism? (Then again, most artists and art history scholars miss Matisse’s formalism as well.)
“Try One,” an example of analogous color palette, by Eklips.
Critic Christopher Knight, speaking this year at the Painting’s Edge program in Idyllwild, made the argument that Clement Greenberg, the prominent art critic from the 1950s and ’60s, did a great disservice to further generations of artists and critics by proposing a cultural dividing line between high art and popular art. Knight proposed that since there are examples of supposedly high art that are sterile and ineffectual and examples of popular art that are emotionally compelling, should we not throw out those rigid, black-and-white categories and simply look at a given work and judge it for how it succeeds on its own terms?
As in any artform, authority of creative expression develops through committed practice and thought. Graffiti writers may not have common art terms such as “warm/cool split” or “figure and ground” in mind as they work, but they use these ideas intuitively. For instance, writers may not use the term “formalism,” but they often obsessively make sure the visual weight in pieces balance out, a central concern of visual formalism.
A piece by Relm shows wildstyle modifications and interlocking letterforms.
The general visual style of modern graffiti evolved from the confluence of sociological and material elements. The sociological element is that of young people, originally of under-class demographics but now extending beyond class barriers, who want to leave a public signature (a tag), but quickly, so as not to get caught. The material element is the spray can. The reason that writers use spray cans for anything beyond a small tag (markers work well for those), is that the spray can, easily concealable and portable, can cover a large area quickly yet with control. And even though now there are legal forums for public art, where spray painting may be done in a relaxed manner, the stylish and often spontaneous look of the finished product comes from the roots of this movement. Something that stands out in the best work is the authority of technique and “pulp” energy that results from often having time limits and the knowledge that the work being done is illegal and will probably be gone in short order.
A central goal in graffiti is the development of a distinctive visual style, same as it is for most any artist. The development of this individual style is the single determining factor in how a writer is judged among his peers, the ultimate audience to impress. Various writers may be known for other attributes such as can control or color palette, but without an inspired creative letter style, a writer will never be considered in the top tier. Just look up at the billboards and buildings around you to appreciate this other kind of high art.
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I've always loved graffiti and have a respect for serious graffiti artist such as bansky. Though I have a degree in graphic design, I very much relate to graffiti artists. I grew up in the city, probably one of the worst neighborhoods, and did not have a formal education in art until college. I drew as a way of expression, uninfluenced by classical ( michealangelo, matisse, picasso etc etc).
Presently, many of my graphic designs consist of my own illustrations, sketches, that not only serve as commercial art, but individual artistic pieces. I think more professional graphic designers, as well as art critics should begin to accept graffiti; not looking down upon b/c it arose from american urban communities. I know of many graffiti artist from allover the globe who are now successful freelance graphic designers working for the likes of Coco Cola, Nike, Sony, and Chanel INC, just to name a few.
If more professional minds in the United States would embrace graffiti as a style, I think we would find more diversity in graphic design agencies. -
Who are these art critics that Grody accuses of snobbery? The only name Grody bothers to mention is Clement Greenberg. As in dead for ten years Greenberg.
I do, however, agree that graffiti, as an art form, deserves our attention and our respect. But is criticism of graffiti just an indication of snobbery? I don't think it's that simple.
As important as the issues of race and class are to any discussion on graffiti, lets not forget the issue of vandalism. Is someone a snob for not approving of graffiti on their school, church or a private business? Should enlightened art critics turn a blind eye to this? -
There’s a constant push & pull between what’s considered art or not art. Much of it lies in the eye of the beholder, it’s subjective.
The thing I find most interesting is the comment Craig Schlanser made regarding vandalism. “Is someone a snob for not approving of graffiti on their school, church or a private business? Should enlightened art critics turn a blind eye to this?”
This too is a tough call because the whole point of graffiti is using public domain to express yourself artistically. Where the artist chooses to display this art can also be considered subjective – or it is? -
To answer Craig Schlanser's question about critical snobbery, my comments come from years of being around the art scene. I would be happy to be referred to any critiques of graffiti that treat it as other than a socio-cultural class issue. As for the public ire regarding the blight of tagging, I agree with Mr. Schlanser that the majority of what the public sees is not anything that deserves particular appreciation, and that some graffiti writers act like they are oppresed revolutionaries, which is hardly honest. However, the issue of what constitutes a legitimate site for graffiti is just as much of a controversy among the writers, with the majority believing it wrong to write on a religious sites, homes or cars for example
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I’m sure most everyone knows there are some subtle differences between the ‘calligraffiti’ artist and a tagger... Not to say that tagging isn’t art too. Many of the doors and sidings salvaged off NY alleyways with the mark of Jean-Michel Basquiat don’t look like much, unless you know what you’re looking at. Anyway, I personally find any mark anywhere, usually far more interesting than the most refined of logos. In fact, I don’t really know a graphic artist who isn’t greatly influenced by graffiti (and yes even tagging).
I guess I’m guilty of falling under the romantic (dissident) spell of graffiti. When I was a kid, I used to paint on the E. Berlin wall before it came down. Much tougher than painting on the other side I assure you. It was illegal and dangerous... But we painted what we wanted to see. We painted light and sky breaking through the wall. With kids flying kites, etc. All in all — good ‘chit. No pretenses about what gallery you were in. How many paintings sold. Just anonymous art, put out there for anyone sensitive enough to be affected by it. Or not... Who cares? But that’s a very nice bit of freedom. I think that’s why I like graphic design. In the end design just sells products and services so nobody really cares about the artist. I find that anonymity sort of pleasant.
Steve, Thank you for a great article! -
Graffiti led me to typography, which in turn opened my world to graphic design. Thanks branding and marketing specialist Shepard Fairey and Dave Kinsey of blkmrkt.com, graffiti finally got acceptance in the commerical world, landing huge accounts like Pepsi and Hawaiian Punch. Kudos to them for making graffiti commercially cool! YeY.
We are currently at a very exciting time in history, graffiti has made it way to art galleries. People want different escapes, besides NBC's thrusday night line up. There are galleries all over the US promoting graffiti artist. Shop Owners are begging artist to paint graffiti murals on the sides of their walls. Thanks to corporate sponsorship we are currently writing the history books. There are artists who have transcended that barrier of vandalism and 'high art'. With the advancement of technology in spray tips and color palettes, European aerosol was able to meet the demands of its people.
Steve Grody is dead on, when looking at it a socio-cultural/psychological issue, rather than a class issue, because that's just aristocratic arrogance. Graffiti is this beautiful monster which mutated out of control, and should be thoroughly dissected. There are so many aspects of graffiti. Everyone with different motives. Who is doing it, why are they doing it. There is a difference between a tag, a throw-up, a piece, a burner what have you.
Doesn't matter what country you're from, graffiti exists EVERYWHERE.
Now, for all you Craig Schlanser's out there, I'll have you know the best graffiti is by white upper middle class neighborhoods. Of course, they go to the slummy parts of the city to do their work, because it where they know it will last longer, the people have less money, and more important things to worry about. So again, this is a socio-cultural/psychological issue.
Thanks Steve Grody for all your dedication to making intellectual history! -
Thomas Duong,
You say in your post:
"Now, for all you Craig Schlanser's out there, I'll have you know the best graffiti is by white upper middle class neighborhoods."
Bizarre. Where is this nonsense coming from? Did you actually read my post? Please don't put words in my mouth. -
Sorry sir. I guess I read too fast.
" I don't think it's that simple. As important as the issues of race and class are to any discussion on graffiti, lets not forget the issue of vandalism. "
i guess i must understood you. " Craig Schlanser
I agree. Graffiti is vandalism and it roots much deeper that race, class. What I'm talking about is, since when is it okay from THESE PEOPLE to do such devilish acts. Since when did we glorify it and make it acceptable? Is this something positive? So is technology and harming or helping us... Who would these people from upscale neighborhood hoods understand the code the these criminals? are they just crimnals themselves. should we be increasing capacity at our local prisions? A "tagger" once painted my house. I think he should be lynched. Now I should be careful in my sarcasm.
In a nut shell, graffiti=bad.
-Thomas Duong -
We should be looking at society. What makes these people do what they are doing. Graffiti was started by cavemen on French cave walls, it was a form of expression. Now when did this art form became a gang ritual and when/how did it spawn out of control? Is it all just thoughtless self promotion? But who are we to judge? Isn't art a form a expression which are no boundaries?
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Is the glass half empty or half full. I say, it's half empty, and there's room to 'fill'er up'. We need to educate these young vandals and direct them towards something more progressive, like say typography. that's high art right?
Or is this just a battle between the have vs. have nots who won't accept this urban art form. Ultimately, they are not humans who are uneducated, defacing private landowners' property. Like, Steve Grody, there are a lot of graffiti writers who think they're revolutionaries, and they are far from it. However we dealing with an current controversial social-cultural issue, which can't just turn our heads and erase it from history. It's happening now.
I know, i know. My opinions sound contradicting, but isnt' that the point of a good discussion, to be objective? -
Again, I question, is it right for 'these people' (get it) to exploit and market graffiti? Ask yourself, are you progressing or digressing? (it's easier to give advice than to take it)
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if we must, look at color, there are AT LEAST 3 different flavors of people. From Atlas, Revok, and Kofie. Sorry for the generalisation and classification, but Asian, white, and black. Possibly a mixture of black and white...so African, and some sort of European. And I'm sure... by looking at the classic 90s burner, that writer was probably a West Coaster, maybe white, maybe 'Hispanic', but what is Hispanic? An Anglo-Saxon word created to classify 'those people' What does that say about graffiti? Nothing. Stop trying to generalise and classify. Hitler would be rolling in his grave.
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Who cares right? They're poor... : )
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Grey One of the Professional Vandal Crew said it best, "you're playing yourself if you want respect from the art community" graffiti belongs in the street. To learn more about graffiti artists, find a video called, "Piece by Piece" documenting San Francisco's graffiti movement.
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http://www.vimeo.com/399975/
Stephan 'Espo' Powers.
Here is a graffiti artist who is transcending the grounds of vandalism and public service. WATCH this VIDEOl. A whole NEW art from branched from this 'sport'. From stencils to street art (wheat paste posters).
A wise wombat once said, "stencils to graffit, is like rollingblading to skateboarding" haha. In all seriousness stencils and street art are they only think that might have change in art history, to the aristocrats that is. -
I am not sure if there is any need to look at graffiti as at an artwork. In my opinion, the social dimension of graffiti is more pronounced than the artistic one and [before any discussion about style/influences/graffiti periods/etc.] I would take a look at the social background of it.
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I think advertising agencies want to use graffiti as an outlet to communicate to a younger audiences, or to appear to look "non mainstream".
They use the aesthetic of graffiti to communicate but never give anything back to the graffiti community, to me as soon as the wall or train is taken out of the equation, it's just an imitation of graffiti and is saturated.
Graffiti is vandalism and art at the same time, and no one is supposed to own it, it's free for all to see. Tagging is the simplest form of graffiti of which the piece derives from. Most people don't understand this subculture to begin with and make their own assumptions of it.
To start people should really read Subway Art. The practitioners of graffiti defy all social and economic boundaries as well. I think this is one of the most misunderstood art forms in which people always try to make their own assumptions about with out really researching the right sources.
I'm still waiting for the day they actually get graffiti fonts to actually look like a real writer actually made them. -
why do people think stencil art is graffiti?? theres a huge difference banksy is a stencil artist not a writer...writers put in mad work an skills too many to be put in the same catergory as a stenciler...i feel ya cyfn graff has been imitated by businesses but like monk of shaolin says they're always comin to the writers to try an steal our ideas...but you cant get it right if you dont understand..let em keep tryin ...
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another thing graff writers are a variety of diff colors and types of people i don't really know if it is a topic of race or if your talkin about some big company ...if you don't write you don't know quit tryin to play yourself like you know whats goin on an whose involved and all that....its like tryin to figure out why someon does what they do and you have no idea about them...writers are a variety of people who you'll never get this is our little piece of heaven ..and all you can do is keep pretendin ha ha ha...if we wanted ya'll to know what it was all about you'd know...keep tryin..
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wow, Finally an article about graffiti, on AIGA!
It's about time! Steve brings up an interesting issue about the line that distinguishes High art & Low art. Just bringing it to the public eye of the the AIGA says a whole lot about the transgression graffiti has made. We have to remember it's the choice of the graffiti artist whether his art is displayed in a high art or low art setting. By understanding that graffiti can make a success out of you is the first step towards realizing the potential it has in the art and design market. -
I'm surprised no one really mentioned this, maybe it was too obvious that it didn't need mentioning... The whole "medium is the message" thing... In this case, the medium is essential to the message. It's not just that it looks cool (or whatever) but that it's in your face sometimes, or in totally unexpected places. When I see graffiti I always wonder how the writer was able to actually GET there--climb over barbed wire, fences, etc. It's dangerous and I believe that is an important component to the art. It also challenges our ideas about property--what BELONGS to whom. There's an unwritten law with graffiti writers/artists (I've heard, at least) that says you do not write on people's personal property, like their houses, fences, etc. you only write on "public" property. (What do any of us "own" anyway? I mean, you can't take it with you.)
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I did laugh when i saw banksy mentioned. He's a street artist not a graffiti artist, i struggle to accept the fascination with him since theres a lot more street artists out there doing work thats a lot more original and more deserved of praise. Though it takes a lot more skill, determination and balls to be a true graff writer.
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oh yer and as far as unspoken rules go....no private property, no places of worship..usually everything else is fair game.
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If your not dedicated to painting letters you are not considered a graffiti artist in my opinion, you are this newly coined term "street artist". If you have a good hand and paint/write letters then experiment so be it. It's like writers who can bust a piece but cant do a tag, a good hand is the foundation to progression of a good throw up, piece, etc. Not the other way around. It's so funny every one says they love pieces but they don't ever like where it came from (the tag). Just shows they still don't understand the true essence of graffiti.
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Blah, blah, blah, blah.
People love to hear the sound of their own voices.
Listen to Tom Duong going around in circles...he's not even sure what he thinks, but has opinions on everything...
I made a short documentary film about Atlas.
In the film, he says that all he cares about, as far as graffiti, is painting.
The physical act of spraying paint.
He said that he doesn't identify with the culture anymore at all.
When people are so quick to voice their opinions, and are too lazy to do any of the research involved in understanding an issue, to the point where they are unable to make the most simple distinctions, such as the distinction between gang graffiti and graffiti art, and are still bold enough to speak of race and class and moral character of people whom they have never met...is it any wonder that Atlas wants to separate his personal life from the graffiti culture.
In short:
I'm so sick of hearing people discuss graffiti.
I'm sick of hearing people discuss art in general.
It's either good art, or it's not.
And you're either talking about it or you're doing it.
What else is there?
Nothing.
(this is in response to the comments, not an attack on Mr. Grody's article ,which I thought was decent) -
interesting article, but graffiti is actually pretty accepted in alot of galleries now a days, it started with basquiat and keith herring in the 80s and has been gaining popularity since. and to be quite honest, most of the hardcore graffiti veterans dont want their work to be accepted by mainstream america.
Look at how many companies these days use graffiti and other urban imagery to sell their products, its astonishing. They are just leaching off of one of the only truly american born art movements. And that was a huge part what started graffiti, it was a rebellion against mainstream ideals. But nowadays alot of that is lost, hip hop is dead and graffiti died with it. -
I'm so sick of people trying to dissect this shit like they understand it. If you don't do it or hang out with people that do, It's going to be different then someone who actually experienced it and lived that lifestyle. People like Thomas Duong don't even take the time to understand this shit, so why front and act like you even know about it. End of discussion....
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I must say, graffiti was the first type of artwork to inspire me and push me towards type. Coming from the city, friends and I tagged and practiced different fonts for different pieces. Graffiti is definitely an inspirational form of artwork and should get more credit than it is given. Tags show a lot of talent in the artist through their thought process and also because it is not technology based; graffiti artists are doing it from their minds and simply placing it on a wall, stopped train, dumpster, etc by hand. Props to the graffiti artists who support and contribute artwork to our cities!
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Eastoftheangels got it right. period.
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Everything I wanted to say has already been said. So I'll just reiterate that art is purely relative. Its great and shitty. Its uplifting and depressing. Its big and small, here and there and blah blah blah. Enjoy making it.
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I'd have to say this article is published about 10-20 years too late. There is "Graffiti Art" and more particularly, Graffiti Artists abound in the contemporary art scene, being shown in galleries and museums across the country.
Not to mention the gross generalizations made by the author about graffiti, art, and graffiti artists. A more interesting and relevant article would have been to examine what parameters define "Graffiti Art". Is it the act, the context, intent of the artist, etc?...
Apparently in the author's eyes, the definition only comes down to medium and formal qualities, which I can only see as a major red flag that a lot more research should have been put into this composition before publishing. -
I much prefer "street art" as designated in the comments above. So-called "tagging" is occasionally nice to look at (90% of it is absolute garbage), but serves no purpose rather than a "look at how great I am" - When it comes to street artists there's generally some purpose or message behind it.
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Well, to be honest I love art in general. I can't say exactly where I got the muses to actually make a career about it. All I know is that at the college where im currently getting my education in Graphic Design, (9 More weeks till graduation!!!!) everytime I have portfolio review they refer to my expressive graffiti work as "Street Design" and always try to direct my work away from it. However, I dont really care about what is accociated with grafitti...all i know is that ther first time I saw it from the first time I actually experienced it is still a defining moment as my skill as an Artist, in general.
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A considerable amount of the commentary has been about graffiti in general and has gone down the insider versus outsider road, whereas my article was about a very specific aspect of present graffiti culture and not trying to present the broad scope of what graffiti entails. In my book I present the voices of many L.A. still-active graffiti veterans to speak for themselves about what graffiti means to them and what their views and motivations are. Anybody interested in those views about what constitutes real graffiti and what is considered toy/wack/garbage (views which are diverse) should look through my book. Not all active graffiti writers are interested in getting into galleries, but some of the most respected writers are interested and will discuss how they see their work in relation to other kinds of art. And as far as exploiting graffiti style for merchandising, well what else is new? Any movement (think beats or hippies) will be exploited, but at least more actual graff writers are now being hired to do the work (look at Boost Mobile's support of Revok, Retna and Saber) because they know kids can often tell the difference between posers and the real deal.
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Graffiti is Theft. (Apologies to Proudhon & Emerson.)
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http://thomersla.tripod.com/type/tduong.ttf.zip
if you want a horrible saber jock. made in 1996
by a 13 year old. click the link above.
please excuse my incohernt ramblings. i do not
know how to unpost. -
I don't know, there are a lot of people who support these graffitis, and even make a great deal out of them, organizing contests with big prizes, etc. In most cases, these are painted by emo boys, kids, etc.
I wouldn't so much consider them as art because they are in the wrong place! Art is something you would find in a museum and that would gain a value over time. This raises the questions if it would be treated as art if it appeared in a museum and I don't believe it would; of course there are mixed views.
However, let's just say that when the emo people (mostly, in my knowledge) perform these kind of paintings public property is damaged and that's not what art is about. -
I like graffiti, but writing is on the wall- it's vandalism
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Actually experienced it is still a defining moment as my skill as an Artist, in general. no Private property, no places of worship..usually everything else is fair game.
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Graffiti is Art!
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Its big and small, here and there and blah blah blah. Nice - :)
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Tags show a lot of talent in the artist through their thought process and also because it is not technology based
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I admit graffiti can darken and annoy many people but is it any worse than the vast amount of advertising that litters our visual environment, offering us nothing? I don't think so!
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please dont embrace graffiti anymore, cause graffiti is not graffiti anymore.... specially not in the graphic design world, never has been.
The very moment you paint a legal piece its not graffiti anymore, its calligraphy, art, whatever.
So many unwritten rules that only a true writer knows about, all else are just observers from very far away, trying to understand.
ok, back to work now... -
Participatory design is a school of thought/methodology devoted to engaging people in collaborative activities that can simultaneously uncover needs and validate proposed solutions.
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However, let's just say that when the emo people (mostly, in my knowledge) perform these kind of paintings public property is damaged and that's not what art is about.
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^^ uh oh... here comes the art police.. telling us what art is 'about'.
everyone run!! -
Real photos graffiti in city-phantom - Chernobyl. It should be looked!
http://playthegame.info/graf/1.jpg
http://playthegame.info/graf/2.jpg
http://playthegame.info/graf/3.jpg
http://playthegame.info/graf/4.jpg
http://playthegame.info/graf/5.jpg -
Graffiti - forever!!!!!
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I was in london couple of weeks ago my god did i see Arts on the streets of london in the london bridge, brick lane area it just took my breath away with such talents from around the world
Graffiti World
http://www.ebooknetworking.com/books_detail-0810949792.html
thank you for bringing this beautiful article in front of your visitors -
Art lets you see the world. Graffiti lets you change the world. Art, in a way, hides something. Graffiti reveals. Thank you for very good post.
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want to see real graffiti!?
www.knowngallery.com
http://www.tslfilms.com/ -
Most people don't understand this subculture to begin with and make their own assumptions of it.
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So I didn't read a lot of the posts...I won't lie. Just think it's interesting that the National Portrait Gallery in D.C. has a show called Recognize, which features 4 large graffiti panels in the hallway leading to the exhibits. In my mind, that is bridging the gap between "low" and "high" art. These tagged artists are on their way to being recognized for what they do well, who are we to criticize? Hip-hop culture has been on the move for years...
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I wouldn't so much consider them as art because they are in the wrong place! Art is something you would find in a museum and that would gain a value over time. This raises the questions if it would be treated as art if it appeared in a museum and I don't believe it would; of course there are mixed views.
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There is "Graffiti Art" and more particularly, Graffiti Artists abound in the contemporary art scene, being shown in galleries and museums across the country.
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Interesting. I think that’s why I like graphic design. In the end design just sells products and services so nobody really cares about the artist.
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?nteresting.. I guess I’m guilty of falling under the romantic (dissident) spell of graffiti. When I was a kid, I used to paint on the E. Berlin wall before it came down. Much tougher than painting on the other side I assure you. It was illegal and dangerous... But we painted what we wanted to see. We painted light and sky breaking through the wall. With kids flying kites, etc.
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I feel graffiti is very creative. The person who paint it take the trouble to colour it in a way to tell us what he wants us to see. It is also like those tattoos and bodypainting.
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There is a certain culture group which likes graffiti on their body. Want to see graffiti on the body? Visit this sites http://www.morbidbeauties.com and http://www.gothtopic.com . It's an eye opener.
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I agreed that graffiti is vandalism, but they are very creative in my opinion. It is street art with a character. What they want to express in their mind are all the the paintings. They are much nicer to look at then those paintings from famous painter.
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Wit Itself not so, but look likes - much beautifully - a success - develop and further
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Love those graffiti, they are beautiful and artistic in natural. You are able to enjoy looking at them for free. You do not have to pay a single cent, where in the art gallery, you have to pay.........
My two cents worth
Candy
http://www.meteko.com -
Great artwork, specially the wildstyle graffiti by Relm. Do you know where this is located?
I've rarely seen a graffiti like this here in Germany...
Greets
Chris -
The great thing about graffiti is that it teaches you to look at something a little different. It's not always easy to figure out and that's good.
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In my country there is a place for people to vandalise. They will let people paint graffiti on the walls. In this way, those people have a legal place to express their artistic nature.
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Graffiti is the language of the street--the heartbeat of the street. No different than the etching on a cave wall. It's communicating. Is has no editor or guard at a gallery gate! The people on the street are the audience--a free audience.
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I have in Poland graffiti club. Regars for all graffiti peoples!
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There is current an article on graffiti, about plans to graffiti LA's concrete riverbank. Check it out here http://www.theage.com.au/news/arts/plan-to-graffiti-rivers-concrete-banks-reignites-debate/2008/04/03/1206851100633.html
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For all those that glorify Graffiti as art, why not lend these artists the facade of your new condo, your car or your own property. Perhaps then it's lustre will wear off? I especially do not understand why some architects embrace it. It is vandalism, and shows lack of respect for other professions and community property.
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To garry graham,
I feel graffiti at a designate legal area is tasteful and beautiful. And i agree with you that graffiti at a private property is vandalism. It all depends on where the graffitti is paint.
Do you think all artwork is art? -
I've always loved graffitis, doing some myself. However, I do believe it's time to think about some dedicated place where tagers could demonstrate their talent without the pest that it can show in some minds
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Thanks for very interesting article. I really enjoyed reading all of your posts. It?s interesting to read ideas, and observations from someone else?s point of view? makes you think more. So please keep up the great work.
All the best -
Graffiti is very creative. It is like tattoos and bodypainting.
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Interesting. I feel graffiti is very creative but thats' vandalism.
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It is also like those tattoos and bodypainting.
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I love doing graffiti.I think its more of a talent. Your Pieces look nice an never give up.
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How would you like if everyday someone showed up at your house and tagged your property without permission? This speaks to respect and any great artist must have a sense of respect for where and how their work will be viewed. If I had little enough respect for my work to put it on the walls of toilets, alleys, undercrossings, subways it speaks to how do I feel about my creative work and myself. What really grates me is when taggers deface a great landmark building that some noble architect and colleague has labored over for years. Design education is very expensive, but we need to try to educate these misguided folks that they can actually make a great living and contribute something valuable to society as artists have done for thousands of years every since cave art was used to document primitive man's history. Haven't we evolved a bit since then?
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I was scratching my head and trying to think of the guy who does all the amazing Graffiti in London. Just remember the fellas name Banksy, some of the best Graffiti you'll ever see http://www.banksy.co.uk/menu.html
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banksy's a bloody celebrity and a media whore
here's the guy who does the best graffiti in London -
http://www.alexmartinezink.com
http://www.youtube.com/nucularbooks -
Here is a youtube video of a person demonstrating how to paint graffiti, but in a legal place. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBJSl4BqnEc -
Tagging is just mindless vandalism, it has no artistic merit. I love well grafted Graffiti in all it's forms but hate tagging.
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I think now there are legal forums for public art, where spray painting may be done in a relaxed manner, the stylish and often spontaneous look of the finished product comes from the roots of this movement.
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cheer up, ^^
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I must agree with Graffiti is definitely an inspirational form of artwork and should get more credit than it is given...
Also the good thing is here that 'A central goal in graffiti is the development of a distinctive visual style, same as it is for most any artist'. -
Graffiti at a designate legal area is tasteful and beautiful. I have found nice flash clock done in graffiti here at http://www.csalim.com
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I love that everybody thinks that they can classify what a graff writer is. They really transend boundries. From the city to the country you will find talented writers. They are into all types of different things, not just hip hop or Emo. Rich, poor, all colors and tastes are represented in graff. No one has the right to speak for the so called graff community, even the most famous writers who know all the crews. People paint because of different reasons, but mostly because it's fun and they like art. for every famous writer, there are 1000 ones that you will never hear about, and they aren't all members of the same club.
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So where is a line between art and vandalism?
Most of graffiti I’ve seen was obvious vandalism. -
Graf thanks for chernobyl fotos
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Here's a good site to view graffiti on people - www.shriiimp.com
Enjoy! -
The graffiti shown on the photos is in my opinion really art. Important is that everybody has this opinion, because graffiti is mostly outside. So you have to see it, if want or not.
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I agree standard tagging is just mindless vandalism, it has no artistic merit. I must admit though that well grafted Graffiti can be an art form.
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the comments left on here, for the most part, sound like a bunch of common peasants trying to understand and speak on samurai business!
please, don't get confused!
know the history before you speak!
...to the rest of you, stay up -
Snobbery, well, my favorate.
You really got the point! -
Cooler it depends on where you live. Some of the tagging in the UK is very poor quality and has no artistic merit and is just mindless vandalism.
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Graffiti is getting enough cred.
I'm making money off of it.
Destroying shit is fun. Sitting around and kicking back many beers with your boys out at a wall in the sticks is even more fun.
then, you- the artistic-like people go on your nature hike and find it and stare in amazement.
you stare in amazement when my boys are getting up on rooftops and doing their steez.
when do we do it? we're doing it right now as you're reading this article. somebody somewhere is tearing some shit up right now.
we're magicians. -
This art need to be protected as the public goods need to be. It's time to make laws that adapt everyone...
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Graffiti is art.
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Personally, I don't like graffiti very much. In Germany, where I live, there's grafitti all over the place and none of it looks particularly inspiring to me. The examples you posted above do look very nice though!
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The graffiti shown on the photos is in my opinion really art.
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Guys who stick their nose up at graffiti art lose my respect. Hey, I can appreciate all forms of art and if you're an artist and you don't appreciate what these guys can do – what kind of artist are you anyway? You're just a snobbish artist – not a very good one. If an artist cannot appreciate the work of other artists, then he isn't really a true artist in my books. He's just a snob. These pics were brilliant – I really enjoyed this write-up and the graffiti art pics. Well done, very interesting write-up!
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i'm joining this a little late but i'm putting my 2 sense in anyway.
I LOVE graffiti. I think it is such an expressive art form. I don't see it as vandalism at all. The art of graffiti is such a process and a skill. I feel like not enough people give it a chance. Not everyone can graffiti. Give it a try, it's not as easy at it looks. Graffiti artists are like every other artist, they are just trying to make the world a more beautiful place to live in. And more power to those who do it.
much love -
graffiti is art, u cant deny the fact and it doent need any recomendations. it speaks for itself
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short of words to define grafti, its an art and icant deny it,
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If it is an art, then you must to it on your walls, not on my garage :|
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I guess that such art is great but it
is also better to paint not only walls but smt much better like:
web sites or other things! -
Guys check this out:
A London artist, known only as Slinkachu, has used the molluscs' shells for a series of designs dubbed 'Inner City Snail – a slow-moving street art project'.
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=156464&in_page_id=34
Very impressive ;-) -
Nice Find Amazing So Tiny With Graffiti On Them Yes Very impressive Indeed
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I think now there are legal forums for public art
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I guess I’m guilty of falling under the romantic (dissident) spell of graffiti. When I was a kid, I used to paint on the E. Berlin wall before it came down. Much tougher than painting on the other side I assure you.
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Sorry AIGA but he started it…This one's for the historian books.
Lets all jump on the I hate Thomas freight…Oh I'm so sick of people talking about graffiti…but here is a link to my movie about graffiti. None of you have put in work. So stop with the half assed 'I agree' comments. Someone passionate about it, who has actually had the opportunity to meet and paint with the artist that Mr. Grody so eloquently speaks of… Saber, Revok, Retna, Kofie, would know that yes they do want their work to be respected and talked about. It's what motivates any artist. They thrive off it. Sure they'll get on a HIGH horse and say they're sick of it. (Dude is probably sad cause he girl doesn't like him cause she probably pays taxes and doesn't respect his graff anymore) But in reality, it's Recognition. Fame if you will.
I'm sure Atlas is over 'the scene' because he realized he's having some busters be his look out, as they exploit him, or dick ride for lack of a better word. So go back to making bar mitzvah videos about ice cream men and let the adults discuss this phenomenal subculture emerging before us.
This is a discussion forum, not a place for advertising your production company, so take your closed minded tough guy North East Los Angeles (what is that Simi Valley Broh?) communist regime attitude back to Melrose Place.
That's right, I love to hear my self speak, I must not be a writer than…
© 2008 Toy Tangent Duong.
Yeah, Atlas puts in mad work and is dedicated, but if he was truly respected in 'the scene' he'd be down with the crews that his style and tags originate from…::Ahem:: Who Wouldn't want to be Zes MSK LTS? Discussion is what makes Art History…not censorship.
Or am I wrong? Why don't you ask your boy, who his influences are.
Word up to Steve Grody for PUSH'n the discussion for the right reasons. High or Low Art, it should still be talked about. It's happening and it's not stopping. So discuss on, that's what they love, maybe not Atlas though.
Here's some more food for though: The anti graffiti industry.
http://www.revver.com/video/629445/steve-grody-graffiti-la-street-styles-and-art/
www.guerillaone.com
www.TSLFILMS.com
www.revok1.com
www.saberone.com -
Did you know Shepard Fairey re-designed the Pepsi letters? (That's OBEY for you film students) Go exploit wheat pasters now… 2¢ Is an political LA artist since you love this town so much.
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I like graffiti, but writing is on the wall- it's vandalism
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In nearly all the above comments one major aspect of graf/street/whatever art is that it all disappears/gets painted over/wears away. It's temporary and its all in the process. It is a vehicle for the artist to understand something about themselves in a way that is unique unto itself. Great pieces live on in photographs and memories but are rarely directly brought into a stable environment. cheers to all the debate!
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Hi
i am myself a graffiti artsit from Paris France.
They're is a slight difference between Graffiti as Art and Art of tagging (that is vandalim and claim as it). The fronter between this two pratice of painting is loosy off course, depend what definition of GRAFFITI you make ! I distinct two form, that have different needs and way to do it:
> 1 : Graffiti by painting a wall top to bottom, it's close to the fresco art technic. Graffiti is a new form based on common form of advertising structure : "letters" (messsage/ name of the writers in most od case) plus a character design cartoon based in most of case.
> GRAFFITI TAGGING, made by writers or Taggers. The principal occupation of those one is to " Burn by tagging surfaces of a city. By two ways tagging is graffiti name ' pseudo) and flop quick monochromatic outlined letters. Teh goal is to make the biggest amount for the biggest auto promotion.
> Historically the best support is the " WHOLE TRAIN" it's the summit of GRAFFITI art, that Combiine the Art of graffit painting composition and Graffiti tagging as selfpromotion. "SUBWAY ART" and "SPRAY CAN ART" by Henri Chalfant resume it perfectly (thank's Henri).
> Vandalism!! off course graffiti tagging is ! Modern graffiti from origin in Harlem or Bronx it's a scream of revolt by "essence", a small individual and then a whole crew scream that say :"i am existing!! suckers!!" ( watch to westsidestory)
and marking a territory ( a subway train line for exemple : i am the king of the x line says QUICK > see Subway ART )
>So it is simple in graffiti Tagging case : "VANDALISM IS ART" as MARCEL DUCHAMP claim and proove that an manufacturated object is ART by exhibiting it in ART gallery. In few cases VANDALISM and ART are not antagonist!
> VANDALISM and ART, some of the best writer are definitvly CALLIGRAPHERS, it's a fact and Calligraphy is an Art.
> It's not pleasant i agree, it's an visual invasion as advertising is, and most "GRAFFITI TAGS" are ugly, i agree too. And this is most problematic in PARIS than in LA, cause LA is a not a architecturaly rich city. in Paris Tagging a monument or simply a sculptetd that 200 or 300 hundred years, this is a real act of vandalism !!
Best Regards
SECRET CP5 -
I really like graffiti, here are some great works
http://www.wackyarchives.com/featured/norwegian-styled-graffiti.html
enjoy ! -
I agree with both sides because its true art is amazing and unique and some of it is even on another level than other pieces, but on churchs' and private businesses', c'mon? Thats not fair to the church and business owners because they have to go out of their ways to clean up the mess that is created for them. But I do think that it should be expressed in public areas ,but thats hard when no one allows them to thatsthe only reason they tag it up in the first place, maybe if they had a few areas to express themselves they wouldnt feel so constricted, well at least i wouldnt....
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Who buys Banksy artwork and how do they take it home if it's down the side of a wall of someones house?!
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I love doing graffiti.I think its more of a talent. Your Pieces look nice an never give up. my brother is keen on graffiti and I will show this to him.
Mike from http://bestvacuumcleanerguide.com/ -
Graffiti ist beautiful. I like it. The people who made this, are very good master of this publication.
Thanks for the interesting information. -
Nice article. Thanks for sharing your views. I think graffitti is a very pure form of art as it directs itself. I think we are so scared to be free and natural as people and so is our art. We all want to look perfect and sophisticated and so does out art. Graffitti is about free spirit.It first needs those kind of people.
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I love graffiti. I'm by no means an artist myself but I appreciate how amazing some graffiti work can be. The example pictures you've included just demonstrate how incredible some of the work is. I couldn't even begin to imagine how difficult that would be to create, yet it looks highly detailed and stunning to look at.
Tim from http://www.closetorganizersets.com/ -
Ich liebe Grafitti. Es ist eine Kunst des Malen, man kann schon sagen künsterlische Zeichnungen. Wenn einer, der das Zeug dazu hat, vielleicht mal einen Pinsel in die Hand nehmen würde, der hätte manche Verkäufe in den Studios.
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I think graffiti should be considered art just as much as any other form. No one has the right to decide what art is, except the artist. I love good graffiti, and would like to see more of it on dull walls in our cities. Perhaps that way people will be less likely to vandalize a wall that is filled with really great graffiti.
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quality, I like this, I saw something like this on http://www.hire-a-graffiti-artist.co.uk a really good graffiti artist.
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Hey man great work about graffiti it teaches you to look at something a little different, here are some other great works http://www.tslfilms.com/
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Relm, Eklips and Atlas (and the
majority of the UNmentioned 1's)
are true 'frontier' artistsssssssssSsSSSSsssssssss! -
I don't care for graffiti and its so-called "culture." What a waste of talent.
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I have always had a soft spot for graffiti, growing up as a break dancer watching the movie 'Beat Street', and learning how to tag with Magnum pens I will always remember street art with fond memories.
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