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Could graffiti ever be considered art?

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[Left: A portion of the brick mural at Lancaster High School. Right: Graffiti in Los Angeles, circa 2006, courtesy Wikipedia.]
[Left: A portion of the brick wall outside Lancaster High School. Right: Graffiti in Los Angeles, circa 2006, courtesy Wikipedia.]
By ALEXIS LLOYD
English 9 Honors; Lancaster High School
Teacher: C. Hulgan

Art is defined as the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. When we see graffiti, most people’s reaction isn’t to praise the artist for creativity. Nobody ever seems to be inspired by street art or, as most call it, graffiti. We are all copies of one another in today’s society. Why do we feel obligated to judge one’s individuality?

Graffiti, whether on walls, train cars, or buildings, is art.

Graffiti has been used for years and years, from drawing on walls by the cavemen to the claiming of cities by the ancient Romans. It also has given cities a unique flare. Graffiti is a way for people to express themselves and show their imagination and creativity.

Many argue art must be appealing to the eye of the beholder. However, if you argue the preservation of our ancestors to be so beautiful, and we do the same as they did, why do we not call our present day graffiti beautiful?

One day, humankind will all be gone. If humans want their legacy to live on, shouldn’t we preserve what we have done so that our great great great grandchildren can have something beautiful to remember our generation by?

Calling an illustration “ugly” is an opinion. As a society, we have the right to think that way, but it is not a fact. If somebody thought the Mona Lisa was ugly, does that make it any less art? Of course not, that is just one’s opinion.

Others will refer to graffiti as a “violence attractor.” Many say the guns inside some of the drawings will lead to more violence and more killings. Referring to guns does not kill people; the people who pull the trigger kill people.

During ancient times, the first forms of scripture and storytelling by the natives or cavemen were through drawings on walls. Stories passed through generations, and generations were preserved on rocks or walls. During Roman times, they would claim the land they conquered by drawing on the town’s buildings. It was just their way of life and how they claimed their land. In the modern day world, members of gangs will do the same thing. It is just their way of life. If that is how they live, who are we to judge?

According to Cameron McAuliffe, author of “Graffiti or Street Art? Negotiating the Moral Geographies of the Creative City,” Graffiti is a part of life and gives the city its own urban originality and flare. McAuliffe states, “Graffiti in its various forms has become a perennial feature of life at the edges of the contemporary city.” In cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Sydney, it is a way of life. In Seattle, tourists come in and out of the city and their lives are forever changed. One glimpse of the Freemont troll or just walking in the streets is inspiring. One’s creativity is art.

“Artistic graffiti is a modern day offspring of traditional graffiti that has elevated itself, from just scrawling word or phrases on a wall to a complex artistic form of personal expression.” The unknown author of this quote is expressing how true art is one’s creativity. In order for something to be considered art, you do not have to like it. Who are we to judge somebody on whether or not they are being creative? Who are we to decide if their imagination and creativity is art?

Modern day graffiti is found everywhere. Graffiti has been a form of creativity since cavemen times and is still inspiring people today. Whether in Sydney, Seattle, China or even Lancaster, somebody took time out of their day to share creative thoughts. It is not whether we like the artist’s work, it is the imagination perceived through it. Graffiti, whether found on walls, train cars, or buildings, is art.

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This article is part of Youth Speak Out, a new section in The AV Times featuring editorials by participating Lancaster High School students. Read more about this initiative here.

Filed Under: YOUTH SPEAK OUT

41 comments for "Could graffiti ever be considered art?"

  2. wow Alexis marvelous job. You definetly have a talent in writing. I agree with your topic and opinion. Mine is getting published too.

  3. The subjectivity of “art” could be argued endlessly. Some speaks to some…Some to others…and others just don’t hear anything. I would just like to give the due respect to this young lady for her art shown here. You have managed to assemble your feelings and facts on an issue that is, and has been sensitive since its conception, in a way that colors and streaks across the page in emotional motion. …this is net-graffitti . You created something that moves people and encourages them to think,and re-think their opinion aloud and in silence. Way to go young artist. Keep your mind,soul and body ACTIVE with these works. Look at all the RE-ACTIONS you have inspired !
    sincerely. (BLANK)
    (former street artist- current music artist -father-husband and forever an art fan)

  4. I am blown away by this article. To think that it was conceived of and written by a 9th grader is amazing! It’s unfortunate that people are missing the point and lambasting the author for arguments she was not even contemplating in this article. Many graffiti artists are young and talented. Even those without talent have a right to express their artistic impressions. The legality of it and a better venue for it is a discussion to be had in other circumstances. This article sought only to open the eyes of people to the thoughts and creativity behind the art itself. But like anything subversive (rock and roll at it’s inception, hip hop, urban dance, etc.) people want to react only in outrage without seeing the beauty or reason behind it. But kudos to this student for not backing down! I am a criminal defense attorney in the Antelope Valley, and, in my professional opinion, you have the makings of being a great attorney if you continue to grow, learn and advocate for those who are often misunderstood!

    • Thank you so much Stephanie! i actually am an aspiring attourney so your response to my article is really appreciated!

  5. I spent over 15 years cleaning up graffiti in the City of Palmdale and I have seen, literally, millions of square feet of graffiti. I can tell you for certain less than 1% displayed anything that could be considered artistic ability. Most of it was just initials scribbled on a wall or box or pole or whatever. We spent millions of taxpayer’s dollars in that time, money that could have been spent on much better things. If all that can be considered art then an overflowing dumpster could also be called art. Saw a lot of graffiti on those too, by the way.

  6. So, we’ve come to the point where anything, anything at all, can be considered ‘art’.

    What, then, is not ‘art’?

    Now we need to come up with a new word to distinguish ‘art’ from ‘whatever’.

    • The art world has that down long ago… it is called Fine Art as opposed to street art, hobby art, production art, etc.

      • Does that include everything that someone would call ‘art’? Does simply calling it ‘art’ make it art?

        • Fortunately/unfortunately yes.
          A few of my pieces have been published. I have been told some of my photography could win awards. A few friends try to get me to enter competitions. Guess what, most of what I do does not live up to my idea of Fine Art. Yeah it is good but not ‘One for the history books’ good.
          It all leads back to ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. Where some of us see garbage, others see art. Art is a personal thing, created as a personal experience usually, sought after and bought as a personal experience. Think of all the type of music out there, all the versions of one song across generations.

          • Greg, you knocked it out of the park. Beauty (art in this case) is in the eye of the beholder. Alexis wasn’t speaking to the legality or illegality of graffiti, & it’s ashame most readers (if they actually read the paper) missed the point. Thank you for your insightful response. ~Lexi’s dad

  7. FINALLY!! someone who speaks up on graffiti! Lexi your paper is an awesome way to express how you feel. Nobody ever takes time to value art or how much time people put into their art. Graffiti is a skill that not everyone can accomplish. Your article is so inspiring & amazing. it gives everyone a different view point! Im extremely proud of you! Ignore the ignorant people, Ignorance comes mostly from those who are afraid to accept the truth of your article or simply haters. Awesome Job Girly!! so many street artists would be extremely proud of you because finally someone gives credit to theor talent which like i said it is a talent & its art whether anyone likes it or not. Its Imagination & Creativity like you said. Hey It makes our earth look more alive & gives entertainment. Little do people know this “Violence of graffiti” is what has helped most teens get into sitting at home & drawing to express their thoughts instead of going out & partying, drinking, smoking & getting into deep trouble. My brother stays home drawing everyday & he always has his phone next to him looking at graf that he video’d from wall & trains to get more motivated & that has honestly kept him out the streets trying drugs, drinking etc. You Did GREAT!!!

    • Stephanie, thank you for your refreshingly honest & objective feedback. I’m glad your brother is helped by art. ~Lexi’s dad

  8. I think it’s great as long as the place you choose to express yourself is sanctioned by the owner of the place.

  10. I went to Lancaster High and have a brick there from 2003. I always thought that it was an awesome idea and I’m glad to see they are still there. We never saw it as graffiti, we saw it always leaving always part of us there for everyone to see. Alexis, I felt that your article was very well written and spoken. Congrats on being published for everyone to see your art as well.

  11. Graffiti costs local businesses tens of thousands of dollars a year to clean up, or the business that gets tagged by these “artists” gets a significant fine. I hate to see anyone promoting something that causes so much harm to the local business community.
    The cities only clean graffiti on city owned property, all other graffiti removal is done by local business owners, and homeowners.
    Kids caught expressing themselves “artistically” on public or private property should have to do community service doing graffiti removal, and their parents should have to pay for the supplies.

  12. Graffiti can be artistic, but graffiti on MY business, house or car without MY permission is criminal vandalism and will be responded to as such. Tagging, IMO is nothing more that dogs marking their territory in the most destructive way possible. Don’t encourage this. There are better venues for ART. Report Graffiti in Palmdale 661-94-PRIDE. Report Graffiti in Lancaster at 661-723-5977. (And Trent, don’t bother telling me to calm down – I’ve been stuck removing enough “art” from my private property to justify being irked.)

    • Thank you for seeing the intent of the article, when most people did not. And thanks for the positive feedback. ~Lexi’s Dad

    • To “No no” I won’t bother telling you to calm down. I will, however, tell you that you expended a lot of energy uselessly without either bothering to actually read the article or failing to understand the intent & point of the article. Either way, please read for understanding before making comments or you end up looking like you did.

      • Trent—Actually “No no” probably read the article and understood it as I do. There is no need to call him out and attempting to belittle his comment which he has the right to make. Art is an emotion and conveys just that, so this young lady is to be commended for bringing forth open discussions. You might not like what someone says, just like someone being offended by someone’s art. Expressing your emotions through art is a cathartic way of releasing what is within you, but it is against the law to express yourself on someone else’s property.

      • Actually, Trent. I read every word and I stand by what I wrote. And I have read your comments as well. So much for a conversation if you are the only one who can be right. What a laugh.

  13. There is a difference between graffiti art and gang graffiti. Society has labeled graffiti artist gang members. There are unwritten rules to graffiti art, most don’t follow them but, once they mature and developed the sense of art then they begin to get an understanding. Gang graffiti is marking a territory or boundary as to a graffiti artist is just leaving a mark. I understand about property and schools, but again that’s on someone maturing. But we see legal graffiti during election season, with names of persons running for office with there names everywhere. Graffiti art is about a name, not a neighborhood. Graffiti art is beautiful and if all non believers would really look into it they will discover that a lot great artist actually came from a background of graffiti.

  15. Is graffiti art? Maybe. How about this idea, if the “artist” thinks is okay to apply his “art” to my private property, then he should be willing to allow me to come to his house and apply my “art” on his property. That should sort it out rather quickly.

  16. Street Art is a legitimate art movement and has been since the 80s. I would encourage the author to do a little more research on the subject, since street art was the subject of a major retrospective at MOCA in LA in the last few years and pieces Banksy have sold at Christies. It has it’s roots in public space and social commentary and frequently asks the question, in the public space, who’s wall is it really?

    The problem is that many people have a really narrow view of what constitutes art and instead of doing research and expanding their closed little minds, they will attack the over all not bad work of a ninth grade student (that means about 14 years old). It is a coherently written piece though could have been a bit better researched, I still say the author did well and should not be trolled by grown ups (so called) who don’t know what they’re talking about and just like to yell to hear their own voices

    • Laurel, thank u for the rare but thoughtful feedback on my daughter’s article. It’s amazing how “grown ups” put down a child, a very brilliant child, to feel better about themselves. Sad actually. Lexi does have an understanding of why people do that, so she is ok. She got people talking about a very controversial topic, which was her goal, so mission accomplished there. Thanks again for your thoughtful response.

  17. There are many different forms of graffiti, and it’s the backbone of self expression for many artists. As I was growing up, my brother was a break dancer and graffiti was an integral part of the BBoy movement. People can easily see any form of art that’s painted on a building and just assume that it’s illegal, because of the stigma that gang bangers have put on it. More often then not, when you see extremely elaborate art pieces painted on walls, buildings, etc… it was put there with purpose, and often times is perfectly legal. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met many street artists who make it a point to do it illegally, because this form of art is easily very rebellious in context.
    Genuine beautification of many urban locations begins with art, sometimes it’s the only way that a community can begin the process of enhancing their environment, especially in areas commonly ignored by city officials, or areas that are deemed “ghetto”.
    Even if pieces are illegal, that still doesn’t make it any less artistic, especially if you see the time, heart, and skill placed in any given piece, and more often then not….the more elaborate pieces will not be gang related. In no way do I condone or promote illegal activity, but it is highly unfair to dis credit the works of many brilliant street artists on account of the gang bangers that simply want to destroy or mark “territory”.

    In response to the title of this article; Yes, graffiti could be considered art.

    • Refreshingly well-written and thoughtful response. Thank u for getting the point that she wasn’t promoting illegal activity, only the artistry of graffiti. Thanks again. ~Lexi’s Dad

  18. KayDee…relax. it was written by a 9th grader who happens to be my sister….obviously u have ur own opinion and that’s ok.

  19. Are you kidding me? We must accept graffiti (aka gang tags) on our property because it is their way of life?! Ummm no… It is a crime! And I absolutely will judge when I see graffiti on the community mailboxes in by neighborhood. It’s a slap in the face to us homeowners who value our property is what it is.

    • Once again Kaydee, relax. The paper wasn’t about whether it is illegal or even ugly or not. It was an opinion about whether it’s art or not. That’s all. If Da Vinci had painted the Mona Lisa was painted while trespassing on private property (which is illegal), would the Mona Lisa not be art? As a matter of fact, as her father, I am proud that she accomplished her goal & got people talking. Everyone, including you, is entitled to their opinion.

      • It’s wonderful that your daughter wrote this article, and it’s a wonderful statement. Graffiti is most definitely a something that should be addressed more often, as it is persistently shown in a negative context. The story of graffiti is one that needs to be told, and told through the eyes of many. There have been quite a few artistic movements that have been overlooked due to politics, gentrification, and bias opinions. Street art is most definitely a movement that has only recently begun to be seen in it’s legitimacy. You’re right about the Mona Lisa, as it’s nobody’s place to deny artistic relevance. Art that is more socially acceptable most definitely does not mean that art that isn’t; means any less.
        Most people have a tendency to speak from a place that lacks in understanding, there for they can’t appreciate the struggles of art as a whole. Even the more accepted pieces of art have had their struggles, but when people look at art, it’s with little comprehension to the battles that any selective piece, and it’s creator have faced.
        Michael Angelo was commissioned by the greatest of hierarchies in his time to do pieces for them. He also mocked almost every single one of them by incorporating secret faces, and bold political statements that were only discovered years later. People forget that art still means something, and by being offended by it, these people only further validate the importance of art and it’s ability to not simply be a pretty picture, but it’s ability to make you feel something. Thanks again for raising a daughter with the courage to address a vocal piece that many others are afraid to do in a public forum, especially in the A.V.

        There is in fact hope.

  20. Some graffiti is art. Some is nuisance at best.
    A common social problem is that ‘claiming’ of territory. Just because a person claims it doe snot make it theirs. Marking on a home, a business, a public sign paid for with taxes or private funds is wrong and should be kept as a crime (defacing property). If it is actually owned by the tagger than no harm no foul in my book.
    Tagging by the way can be elevated to graffiti level. Simple tagging is just putting your mark on something. Make your mark a work of art, make it your John Hancock.
    Just remember if it is not your property expect to be charged with a crime. Better advice is get good at it then get a job painting movie sets, that way your work will be around for a lot longer…