English 1320
Mr. Peters
4-2-2018
Word Count:
Graffiti: A Misunderstood Medium
Since the dawn of early civilization, people have been looking for ways to express themselves, their feelings, emotions, and experiences. It started with rock painting and basic sculptures, which then evolved and developed into the higher art of the Renaissance and ensuing periods in history. Today, in addition to art in its traditional expression, alternative variants have made their appearance, causing heated discussions, graffiti among them. Some see graffiti as vandalism, a cancer spreading through cities, even an epidemic, indicating degradation of society for it is viewed as criminal behavior, as it uses one’s property without permission. For others, graffiti is a form of art due to its expressive nature regardless of where it is placed. Public opinion on graffiti is torn in modern society but is slowly shifting in favor of it. Graffiti is art to those who interpret it that way, and vandalism to the opposing viewpoint.
As urban graffiti artists are eager to make their mark on their city and the world, street art is on the rise. The Guardian writes, “NYPD reports graffiti complaints had jumped 24% in the past year,” due to the fact that graffiti is becoming more …show more content…
In the film, the origins of Banksy and Shepard Fairey are introduced, and viewers watch them experiment with the new-found concept of graffiti. Banksy, an artist from England, has risen to fame due to his controversial art and has pushed the boundaries between art and vandalism. Interestingly enough, Bristol, Banksy’s birthplace, allows street art but other places like some cities in Germany and Poland, allow artistic expressions on city-owned walls to promote graffiti in a better light and raise awareness for street
Mr. Peters
4-2-2018
Word Count:
Graffiti: A Misunderstood Medium
Since the dawn of early civilization, people have been looking for ways to express themselves, their feelings, emotions, and experiences. It started with rock painting and basic sculptures, which then evolved and developed into the higher art of the Renaissance and ensuing periods in history. Today, in addition to art in its traditional expression, alternative variants have made their appearance, causing heated discussions, graffiti among them. Some see graffiti as vandalism, a cancer spreading through cities, even an epidemic, indicating degradation of society for it is viewed as criminal behavior, as it uses one’s property without permission. For others, graffiti is a form of art due to its expressive nature regardless of where it is placed. Public opinion on graffiti is torn in modern society but is slowly shifting in favor of it. Graffiti is art to those who interpret it that way, and vandalism to the opposing viewpoint.
As urban graffiti artists are eager to make their mark on their city and the world, street art is on the rise. The Guardian writes, “NYPD reports graffiti complaints had jumped 24% in the past year,” due to the fact that graffiti is becoming more …show more content…
In the film, the origins of Banksy and Shepard Fairey are introduced, and viewers watch them experiment with the new-found concept of graffiti. Banksy, an artist from England, has risen to fame due to his controversial art and has pushed the boundaries between art and vandalism. Interestingly enough, Bristol, Banksy’s birthplace, allows street art but other places like some cities in Germany and Poland, allow artistic expressions on city-owned walls to promote graffiti in a better light and raise awareness for street