Maddy Hetherington
Lajut
Art & Graffiti
Art
Art is a term that describes a diverse range of human activities and the products of those activities, but here
refers to the visual arts, which cover the creation of images or objects in fields including painting, sculpture,
printmaking, photography, and other visual media. Architecture is often included as one of the visual arts;
however, like the decorative arts, it creates objects where the practical considerations of use are essential—in
a way that they are usually not for a painting, for example. Music, theatre, film, dance, and other performing
arts, as well as literature, and other media such as interactive media are included in a broader definition of art
or the arts. Until the 17th century, art referred to any skill or mastery and was not differentiated from crafts or
sciences, but in modern usage the fine arts, where aesthetic considerations are paramount, are distinguished
from acquired skills in general, and the decorative or applied arts.
Many definitions of art have been proposed by philosophers and others who have characterized art in terms of
mimesis, expression, communication of emotion, or other values. During the Romantic period, art came to be
seen as "a special faculty of the human mind to be classified with religion and science". Though art's definition
is disputed and has changed over time, general descriptions mention an idea of human agency and creation
through imaginative or technical skill.
The nature of art, and related concepts such as creativity and interpretation, are explored in a branch of
philosophy known as aesthetics.
Graffiti
Graffiti is writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public
place. Stickers and other adhesives are not considered graffiti. Graffiti ranges from simple written words to
elaborate wall paintings, and has existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to Ancient Greece and
the Roman Empire.
History of Graffiti
Graffiti has been around for millions of years. Romans wrote on the walls of buildings they conquered and cave
men drew illustrations on cave walls, although graffiti has not been in the United States quite that long. Graffiti
first became big in New York and spread through other states. It started as tagging or writing your name on a
street sign. Then gangs used graffiti as a way to mark territory. Not long after, graffiti became a form of art. It
inspired young artists to come out and use this new art as a form of self expression. Whatever mood they were
feeling they were able to make something beautiful. Lee Quinones, one of many graffiti artists, changed the
grimy place near Brooklyn Bridge into an incredible gallery of art.
Graffiti started moving from streets to subways and quickly became competitive. Graffiti artists had to
compete for space and it inevitably offended property owners. This and the misunderstanding that all graffiti
represented gang activity, led to community pressure on politicians. But still graffiti artists strive to improve
their art which is constantly changing.
Maddy Hetherington
Why I think some Graffiti is Art
When you hear the word Graffiti, you probably think about gangs and other illegal actions. It is true that gangs
tag buildings to mark of their ‘territory’, but not all artists have this intention. However, because of this,
people often label graffiti simply as vandalism, although others might say that it actually enhances the urban
landscape and gives feelings about the society. These people say that graffiti is a Gallery art.
I think these images are Artistic because of the Colors, Creativity and Detail in them.
What can be done so people appreciate some Graffiti as being art?
If good graffiti is seen as art and then encouraged, it has the potential to improve the look of our
streets and transport systems. Good graffiti pieces are colourful, vibrant and attractive. In most
cases, they are far more attractive then the walls they are painted on, which in the old parts of cities
are often ugly, dull and uncared for. There are many examples of spectacular murals in the inner
city. In fact, some have even become tourist attractions. There are also excellent examples of graffiti
on passenger or freight trains. However, because graffiti is usually seen as vandalism, no matter
what the works look like, they are usually painted over in dull colours