Graffiti, writings and drawings in a public space, is not new. In fact there are examples dating back to the Roman Empire and Ancient Greece. Often graffiti is big, bold, colorful and meant to capture your attention. It is a statement; an expression. Of what? Well, we the audience are left to interpret.
By definition graffiti is illegal because it is done on property that does not belong to the person behind the spray paint can. Shai Dahan was born in Israel but grew up in the United States. At 14 he was into break-dancing, hip-hop and the whole skateboarding scene in Los Angeles. It was here that he started doing graffiti on surfboards and skateboards. His TEDxGoteberg keynote talk is not only insightful but fascinating as he talks about what graffiti can bring to the world through it’s narrative on the social and political milieu of the day.
More often then not there is a political message within the graffiti; a note to the “establishment.” One of the most famous graffiti artists (note the term artist) “Banksy” often incorporates an already existing feature (signage, windows, doors) into his work. It has the power to stop you in your tracks.
So, where do you weigh in on this somewhat controversial topic?
Do you think graffiti is art?
Or perhaps in your mind this is complete and utter vandalism?
Please leave a comment and see what thought provoking discussion takes place.