Is graffiti art?
The debate continues on the question “Is graffiti art?” Over the past week or so many people have weighed in through published media and blogging on the topic. It all stems from the City of Vancouver’s idea to remove a wall of graffiti on Beatty Street that was, in fact, a commissioned mural for the Steve Nash Foundation. Now, instead of a colourful display, it is a perfectly solid colour of blue.
The city claims it was part of their maintenance routine however since this mural has been there since 2007 one might ask “Why now?” or how about just “Why?” The common answer (not uttered by our city officials) is “the Olympics are coming to town.” In an effort to make our city more pristine there may have been a conscious choice to remove it.
Art is around this city in various ways, hard material sculptures, paintings and creative landscapes. There are mural/graffiti walls on privately owned buildings that help take a dull old building and make it eye catching. There were no offensive images or language that could be sensitive to some viewers. Having driven myself by the occasional graffiti wall it can be place that brings a smile to the face while passing time in traffic.
I’m not for those that decide to tag our fences or other private/public property, that isn’t art. That is vandalism and tagging acts like a virus as it easily spreads through the community. The kind of graffiti I’m talking about has its place in our culture and can actually curb vandalism on public spaces as few punk vandals/taggers will paint over someone’s work. There is a respect for graffiti among the artists.
Is graffiti art or is it an eye-sore? Should we remove a mural such as the one on Beatty Street and have this city “clean up” its walls before the world descends upon it? Would it have made a difference to visitors to see aliens, ants, the peanut characters and more?
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful places to live, from the glass towers to the undeniably breathtaking views. Like all cities there are also things that grace our landscape that could be perceived as ugly. I’m not seeing the justification in covering up this wall and I don’t buy the argument that it was purely about maintenance. We have lost a work of art and that is sad, plain and simple.
See for yourself and you judge?
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Great post and I completely agree, as long as there is no messages of hate or vilolence graffit is a form of art.
Walls such as the one on Beatty Street speaks to the soul of a city.
Graffit art is the voice of a city’s people and their neighborhoods, to silence that is to turn a city into a money making arena of steel and glass.
Whcih explains that now boring blue wall.
Thanks for the comment and you are so right! This was the voice of the people and collectively the people came together from all over to create it. Talented artists.
As predicted the blue wall has been targeted. It now displays, with Olympic rings in the center:
WITH GLOWING HEARTS
WE KILL THE ARTS
I have a feeling that can of blue paint is going to come out a lot more in the near future.
In many cases the power of street artists is being tapped and channeled into community projects, whhich aid in Community cohesion and reduce vandalism.
Graffiti has its own language and expression and has messages that can be read.
Portland and Seattle beighbourhoods have been coordinating Community talent into creating Powerful and beautiful murals.
How about going down to see the expressive graffiti type mural, (HOME & Hope), in Vancouver’s Downtown Community Court on Gore Avenue. (Corner of Powell).
I received an invitation for the ribbon cutting ceremony for Jan 26 at 3:30 to 4:30. I cannot go…Why dont you and others go? ENJOY!
Thanks Pat. I agree, I think by embracing the artists we can use the talent to positively impact a community. It is the colour I love, the creativity.
Thanks also for the heads up about the ceremony.
Now THAT’S what I’d call an interesting take on things. What I would suggest perhaps is talking to other people actively involved in the scene and bring to light any other points of view and then update your blog or create a new article for us to read. Hopefully you’ll take my ideas, I’m looking forward to it! Try to cover off on some graffiti characters as well if possible, they’re very popular at the moment.
Thank you and welcome to Esteem Rising. Great suggestions and I will incorporate your ideas in future posts. Thanks also for the link! Your comment has got the wheels turning already in my head.