Lecture Six: Graffiti & Street Art

Self Initiated Research

This is a little bit of self initiated research spanning from the Graffiti & Street Art lecture. The majority of it comes from a book called Visible Signs by David Crow. It also includes some of my personal views informed by the lecture and additional research.  

In the book, graffiti comes under the section entitled 'unofficial language'. This holds more relevance than referring to it as an 'art' because in it's best from it communicates idea's. The vernacular aspect of graffiti is interesting, how anyone can participate. There is a distinction between graffiti and street art. Street art can often lack the power and message held by vernacular graffiti. However there is also a crossover point. 

Graffiti can be considered a community. It's worthwhile in that it provides an opportunity to convey a message. 

Listed below are the several types of graffiti. These definitions have come from the previously mentioned book. 

Ideological vandalism

Property that is destroyed to gain publicity for a particular cause, which is justified by a political belief or long-standing grievance.

Acquisitive vandalism

To acquire money or property. For example, looting vending machines or stealing signs.

Tactical vandalism

Baker and Waddon replaced this category: graffiti. A means of achieving some other end, such a bringing a production line to a halt in order to break the boredom of the work and to increase standing within peer groups.

Vindictive vandalism

Baker and Wadden changed the title of this category to problem expression. Vandalism for some form of revenge or to settle a grudge, often directed at schools.

Play vandalism

Vandalism for fun fun or through high spirits, which is motivated by curiosity or competition. For example, who can break the most windows.

Malicious vandalism

For Cohen, this is the category that includes the behaviour of young people whoa re 'breaking out, breaking away or breaking clear' and would include attacks on local authority property. He recognises this to be the category that is most difficult to understand as it appears to be 'meaningless' but provides an opportunity for them to express their boredom, frustration or despair with little chance of being caught and convicted.'

This list puts graffiti and vandalism into 6 categories. Ideological vandalism conveys a message therefore it has a reason and should not be considered vandalism. Vandalism is something that is carried for no reason at all. 

With regards to graffiti, the type of communication can be categorised as low level dissent. The use of stencils has increased this factor due to their history grounded in revolution. Stencilling is an appropriate method because graffiti has to be carried out both quickly and discreetly. 

In conclusion, graffiti is an undeniably useful resource when it comes the communication of a message. However it can be demeaned and abused by those using it purely to vandalise, tagging ones name for example. It's high viewership number, lack of censorship and low cost make it ideal for the communication of political messages. Graffiti artists risk imprisonment to create their work. This exhibits high levels of commitment, making graffiti just as valid as any of the more established art forms, if not more so.