Is Graffiti Art?

The question "is graffiti an art form?" has been askedsomething more creative rather than getting involved in
many times over the years, particularly the graffiti stylestealing or violence or both especially if it is taking place
that was born in New York and which has spreadin a ghetto or run down neighborhood. If the street
across the globe like wild fire. The two most prevalentlights don't work, the police fail to respond when called,
arguments would be the ones from opposite sides ofabandoned cars are left for months and crime is
the viewpoint. It seems that both sides refuse to give inrampant who cares about a spot of paint, it is the least
to each others opinions whether due to arrogance,of their worries.
ignorance or perhaps fear of having to accept defeatThe conclusion. Well, some graffiti is art but not all.
on some aspect of their argument, which in return maySome of it is incredible and displays an amazing
mean they might have to make changes in their viewamount of creativity and talent by almost always a
of the subject and in the artists case where hetraditionally untrained artist. You can't just pick up a can
actually performs his craft.of spray paint and produce a masterpiece. It takes
The argument from the "against graffiti" camp wouldpersistence, dedication, practice and discipline just like
be that it is social disruption. That it is vandalism ofany craft to do it well. So perhaps some
private and public property no matter how artistic itacknowledgment of talent should be granted to the
can be. A violation of the laws of the land and anartist.
indication of social disorder in which the participantsOn the other hand to let the undirected youth run
have no respect for where they live and for othersaround with giant markers could leave a city looking
that live within or around them. A neighborhoodlike a scribbled on table top after a four year olds first
covered in graffiti is also seen as a neighborhood withattempt at drawing mummy and daddy with a new
a higher crime rate and some believe that graffitibox of crayons. Respect should be shown to the city
covered walls will encourage more crime.you live in. Some of its buildings have been built by the
On the other side, graffiti is seen as harmless, creative,sweat and blood of men that have lived before you.
something that brightens up otherwise grey andRespect should be shown to the artists of your city
gloomy buildings or walls particularly in areas of a cityand an avenue to show it, for it is art that gives us our
that maybe subject to neglect and deprivation. It ispleasure in life and makes it all worth while.
better that the youth are indulging themselves in