Graffiti

Caption : Zinc Photographer : Kelly Endo

Graffito or graffiti?

Graffito is any writing or drawing on a wall or surface. It is usually done in a place where the general public can see it and is commonly referred to in its plural form: graffiti.

Graffiti has been a part of human culture since ancient times—it was prominent in both ancient Egypt and ancient Greece. In modern times, graffiti started becoming big in the 1960s.

Tagging

Tagging represents presence. Sometimes gangs use this type of graffiti to mark their territory. Emerging graffiti artists, who usually don’t have a distinct or developed style, try to put their tag (signature) in as many places as possible to get recognised. Once they are known and accepted into a group, their style and skills develop as they learn from their peers.

Art or vandalism

Most graffiti is considered illegal because it’s done on public or private property without authorisation. If you get caught graffitiing the police can issue you with a hefty fine. However, there is a big debate as to whether graffiti is vandalism or art. Of course it depends on what the graffiti is of and where it is, but public opinion is divided. Many communities have local council programs to remove graffiti and catch the artists, while other councils take a more creative stance by hosting youth groups and sponsoring artists to graffiti a designated public space. Some people believe graffiti lowers the quality of the community, while others think it enhances the community.

Struggling artists

Street artists are struggling to gain the recognition they want as legit artists. Some have integrated their skill and desire into a career of graphic design; others have been featured in galleries and magazines around the world, while the majority are still considered criminals. Currently, there is a large movement that is trying to get street artists legal space to work on. Many schools, local and youth councils are taking part in these programs. It is believed that these will help motivate artists to use the legal space and in turn gain the recognition they deserve. Most communities have policies on graffiti and a plan to help reduce it. If you’re interested check out your local council website and see how this issue is being dealt with in your town.

How do I know this?

Australian Institute of Criminology, Graffiti culture and hip hop: working from within, http://www.aic.gov.au/conferences/2003-graffiti/jo...

Haywood, B 2005 ‘Drawing a line on art', The Age, 21 March http://www.education.theage.com.au/pagedetail.asp?...