In the Providence Journal earlier this month, there was discussion about a specific graffiti artist in Providence writing things on abandoned buildings such as, “Lonely,” “Lonely as I ever been,” and “I love you even when you don’t notice.” Devin Costa from Cumberland has made headlines in Providence for being caught for leaving these messages in buildings downtown. He was fined $12,000 and charged with trespassing. There has also been backlash saying these messages ruin the vision and appearance of Providence. However, there has also been a fundraising campaign in order to help Costa. Clearly other people have a different opinion about his graffiti. His messages have been credited for sparking conversations about depression, art and gentrification. Many supporters relate to his messages.
Can we look at this objectively and consider this art? What exactly defines something as "art"?
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Micah Salkand, a providence artist, stated that these conversations are bringing up good points that are typically not discussed about art and depression. He says, “They don’t happen around officially sanctioned street and that only makes people feel good, or worse yet, feel nothing ... the reason we need art isn’t just to make spaces safe for middle class people and their dollars, it’s to make us see each other more clearly.”
When I saw these messages in person, they really did impact me, and I do look at them in an artistic way. Other artists, such as the well-known Banksy, have created graffiti into political advocacy and famous art pieces. Considering that Providence has a lot of creativity, messages like this may spark a movement or advocacy for something people are too afraid to speak about. I believe it gave the old abandoned buildings character. However, for now, it's still considered illegal.
