Even though it is illegal, Graffiti can be classified as art because an artist that has made use of a run-down building to create art is using their environment to its full potential. It is giving the building of neglect a new purpose and it can be an important form or artistic expression, often for socially excluded groups. Graffiti is an expression that gives young people a voice. “An artist that has made use of a run-down building to create their art is in fact using his/her environment to its full potential. It is giving the building of neglect a new purpose”(Henry). Graffiti, at its best, is an artistic or political expression giving new life to urban blight, blank walls or dilapidated buildings. Graffiti, when used as an expression of …show more content…
One of the subcategories of graffiti is tagging. This is defined as “the practice of writing your name or handle in prominent or impressive positions...an act of ownership.” (theCoversation.com) This form of graffiti is destructive, without merit and has no real purpose other than to mark territory. Street art, however, seeks to “hold up a mirror to the world so that we can see the absurdity of it. It shows us who we really are, both good and bad, as a community.” (theConversation.com) This kind of graffiti, produced by artists like Banksy, tries to make a kind of statement or tries to beautify places that in need of …show more content…
It boils down to two main approaches: embrace it, or fight it. Places like Tuscon, Arizona have taken the latter approach. They see graffiti as a “serious community issue. It detracts and leaves a bad impression...graffiti is bad for business.” (West) Like many cities and towns, they have taken a proactive approach to dealing with graffiti, regardless of whether it is tagging, vandalism or art. They require quick removal of graffiti. Barriers have been placed on overhead freeways to discourage graffiti. Arrests are made and taken seriously by the courts and people are encouraged to call in those responsible. Some of these strategies have been