Graffiti - Social art form or territorial pissings?

Question

Sure, we know they can all bubble write but does graffiti hold any meaning anymore or is it just senseless scribble.

Generally speaking.

Are we seeing less of the art and more of the scrawl? Is the whole concept in decay?

Answer 1

It depends on what you mean by Graffiti, Some is very Artistic and very cleverly done, it can look great and who wants to look at boring blank walls! That is an art form.
The scrawling of names or stupid comments that isn't art..... A 4 yr old can do that! That's definitely 'territorial pissings' and I love your metaphor. Can I use it?

Answer 2

I was just thinking about this the other day!
I decided I'd rather drive down a street with Graffiti than a street that was plain and too...well...clean.
I always think of the song by Simon and Garfunkel that says "the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls..."

Answer 3

Absolutely. I can't think of any reasonable definition of art that *doesn't* include pornography. I define art quite similarly to Oliver, art is anything made to be aesthetically appealing or elicit a certain emotional response. Pornography does that, and just like other art, it can be more or less successful depending on the skill of the artist as well as the tastes of the viewer.

Answer 4

I think the following paper does a great job of answering this question. Give it a read:

The Culture and Politics of Graffiti Art
Timothy Werwath, 2006

http://www.graffiti.org/faq/werwath/werwath.html

There are also some very informative research topics here: http://www.graffiti.org/index/talk.html

Answer 5

I see it as a similar thing to cave painting and fulfilling the same purpose. There's definitely an element of 'ritual magic' in it beyond mere decoration.

The way I see it, if you stick human beings in bleak, ugly surroundings , you cannot complain-indeed why should you-if they attempt to create some beauty.

Graffiti art as such is a wonderful expression of freedom and rebellion against the oppressiveness of society.

Answer 6

There is some expression in it, but if they were serious about it as an art form they would be using it differently. I think that is is largely (I love your analogy) Territorial Pissing.

Answer 7

Neither. Graffiti is vandelism. Vandelism makes the vandel feel like they are in charge and untouchable. Catch them and cover them in their own paint in my opinion.

Answer 8

can be extremely talented artistry and when this happens it should be encouraged, to brighten up inner cities and run down estates
Scribble and drivel and bad language well thats another ball game altogether culprits when caught should be made to clean it off

Answer 9

it's a pretty awesome art form when done right, just not all over buildings where it shouldn't be!

Answer 10

It may be either or- depending on the intention, AND the skill with which it is executed.-sw