To me, graffiti is the pulse point of a city. An invaluable source of information about the people around me. I may not see their faces or know their names, but the voices and the imaginations of the artists are present. Because of their work, the streets are alive with desire, discontent, and the remnants of heartbreak. Graffiti makes life more interesting.
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The fact that most graffiti artists are anonymous is exhilarating. It makes me wonder: "Who’s rage is this? Who’s passion?" and in some cases, causes me to remark on the humility it takes not to claim such beautiful work. I like imagining the process of the artists formulating their expressions, and the trouble they go through to produce them. Some people get off on finely roasted, artisan coffee. They relish the details of how the beans were chosen, christened, cremated one by one. I take pleasure in imagining the process of the graffiti artist, and the power of the force that drives them to create their work.
Unsolicited, not-commissioned, anonymous, public art, is in an incredibly unique position to comment on our culture. Without being incentivized or manipulated into upholding specific agendas, this skillful, provocative art form provides an opportunity to become informed about the true voices of the people. This is an important feature in any democratic system.
Graffiti is, of course, illegal in many cases, as its canvases double as public, private, and federal property. The illicit nature of graffiti, limits the breadth of the audience invited to appreciate it, but while it’s presence persists in our city-scapes, suburban school bathrooms, and public transport vehicles, it might be worth paying attention to.
Social media platforms are not much more than sanctioned, virtual graffiti parlors. Instead of "Sam-hearts-Courtney 4ever", etched, quietly into a plexi-glass bus shelter, or valiantly scrolled on a rail bridge in the dead of night, we have the relationship status update. There’s nothing wrong with that, but for those of us who like a little mystery, graffiti provides that.
Public art, sanctioned or illicit, is available to people, rich and poor. The way I see it, graffiti provides color, humor, emotions, opinions. Sometimes pieces are just simple, one-word, one-image tags, but often they clearly require tremendous talent. Most people are not in a position to even take art classes, let alone have access to gallery space. And yet, we are all creative beings. Clearly, we’re not all painters, but most people enjoy having the space to be creative in some way. I think it is courageous to take initiative toward caring for one’s own creative needs, and in some ways, I think that’s what graffiti artists are doing.
In this hyper virtual age, it’s important that we remain engaged, and aware of our physical surroundings. In an urgent way, this means taking responsibility for the state of our environment. Now, I don’t mean to purport that emptying cans of aerosol paint into the atmosphere is good for the environment, on the contrary, we know that it is terrible. Paradoxically, connecting people to their surroundings, by catching their attention visually, and often politically, might be central to creating the kind of engaged awareness, necessary for societal shifts toward caring for the environment.
I enjoy hearing from lots of different kinds of people. I use social media, listen to news channels and generally try to stay aware of the times I live in and the people with whom I live in it. I am also aware that only some voices make it to the loud speaker, so I like to take a look around as well.
So if you're one of those color-crazed, can-waving nomads, or one of those sharpie-toting bathroom stall warriors...this one's for you. Thanks for tagging!
