Tribute to Graffiti

© Christine Till... more

by Alexandra Till

Title

Tribute to Graffiti

Artist

Alexandra Till

Medium

Photograph - Photographs - Prints - Digital Images - Cards - Posters - Photo-calendars - Photo Art

Description

© Christine Till
Humankind has been compelled to write on walls for thousands of years. The very act itself addresses the eternal human quest for some form of immortality in the face of a vast universe - some universal desire to state "I was here" - which I feel drives a good deal of human creation, not just graffiti and street art.

Graff is much more than beautiful murals on the street. As we travel the world, we discovered that there is a worldwide battle over public space. The 'quality of life laws' and the broken windows theory that support those laws had spread from New York City to Europe and to every other corner of the earth with severe punishments. The controversy brings up some very essential questions: What is the nature of art? Who determines what is art and what is not art? Who controls freedom of speech? Who controls public space? Why are some manifestations in public space that are offensive to many people sanctioned (billboards and strip malls) and others are criminalized (graffiti).

Street culture and graffiti are well-known for being provocative, appealing, bold and uncompromising. Originally used by gangs to mark their territory in some urban area, graffitis have now become a rich medium for unrestricted expression of ideas and statements. In fact, creative designers and artists across the globe use this form of art to deliver their message and showcase their work.

Graffiti (or spray paint) is often regarded by others as unsightly damage or unwanted vandalism. But sometimes, the boring wall is supplied with a true piece of graffiti art, making it a joy for the eyes.

Uploaded

March 26th, 2013