Graffiti...?

Question

Do You Consider it Art, Vandalism, or Both???

Answer 1

its an art no............its a lifestyle its all about getting up and we don't do it cuz we bored we do it cuz we are good at it! and we know that no 1 respects graffiti on canvas so we do it were u have no choice 2 see it.................................the streets.

Answer 2

Really a loaded question.
It's Definately art, there are some really talented people in the medium ( Craola, Shepherd Fairey, Kaws, Etc), but these artists are forcing themselves upon others, and what's art to them, is not nescessarily art to others, and it's thrusting an idea upon others, that's not nescessarily a bad thing to do, but that artists world view is not going to reflect everyone in the world, and that can give off feelings of hostility to the work.
Why the artist couldn't try and work on canvas or another medium and try and get into a gallery amoungst their peers is something you'd have to ask them, each one would have their own response, but if it was to have their art and talent shown, I think personally showcasing in a gallery would be the right thing to do because you would be surrounded by their peers and those that will actually take the work for art and not vandalism.
But of course that also has stigmas, mostly that graffiti loses it's impact and soul if it's confined to a gallery instead of being outside on walls, trains, any blank space available.
Then again, there really is no difference between Graffiti and billboards and ad's that we are bombarded with on a daily basis.
The only difference being that billboards are legal, unless of course the tagger was given permission to actually paint on the wall.
That's also thrusting an idea or image upon us.
It really is a loaded question.
Graffiti can liven up a wall space, but can be an eye sore, especially if it's derogatory, but the same can be said about a giant coca cola ad on a building or in a park.
They both take away and ad to our environment.

Answer 3

Uninvited on a building or public information location(benches/billboards/ freeway markers etc) it is a crime called vandalism and I want none of it. Freedom of expression it's not it is a violation of my right to a safe and clean environment. If someone defaces property they should be fined-made to clean it and preform community service.
If, however, it is used to embellish clothing, skate/surfboards on a canvas or other appropriate display medium it can be art. Art is an expression of the artist and in the proper environment can create a great impact and statement.

Answer 4

Finally some one who likes graffiti, my god iv'e been an artist since I was 10 and started graffiti when I was 12 and oh my god you'll never be able to answer that unless you actually start being one, because only then you get the feeling of this isnt right it a waste of time, or this is great Its my destiny or I can achive something with this.

There are a couple ways where graffiti splits up :
Canvas ( legal )
Tagging ( illegal and rarely legal )
Mural ( illegal and mostly legal )
Throw up ( illegal somtimes legal )
...

Answer 5

I think its art. However when someone is just tagging private property, thats vandalism.

Answer 6

Both

Answer 7

100% ART

Answer 8

art when its done where its not intruding upon someone elses property..even and including public property..bridges, etc....the art itself, very often is remarkable

Answer 9

Vandalism. usualy people that graffiti are bored with life. think about it: going around destroying people's property? that's definitely vandalism

Answer 10

both