Painted walls, scribbled names, parodied characters. Graffiti scrawled on walls, buildings and even the sides of vehicles often attracts our attention, makes us stop walking and take pictures.
It is a way of expression, and for some, it is a way of life.
Credit: Luminita Roman
But this often-called “art form” It is also raising questions, such as the interplay between illegal graffiti and legal graffiti, and who has the right to post their messages on a wall.
Positive difference
Patricio Forrester, 58, believes in making a positive difference in society through mural art. He is the founder of Artmongers, a local organisation from Lewisham, whose main objective is to transfer mural art skills to the new generation.
His widely recognised first mural, painted chimneys representing a couple dubbed His and Hers, is an iconic landmark in striking pink in Deptford High Street, southeast London.
Some places look better painted, while others don’t, he believes. “Depends on the energetic intention behind the action,” says Forrester. “Do you offend others? How do you contribute to the perspective of others to improve a space?”
Messages of graffiti have evolved over time - from ironic, shocking or provocative, to funny or abstract.
“I think that, like many other things, one of the most important roles is to awaken something in people, in some curiosity, in others admiration, in others awareness. It can also awaken bad things but I think they are all one,” says Juan Antonio Nunez Vitas, 25, street artist from Spain based in London.
“I would dare to say that the majority of street artists have started in the vandalism way.
“There are those who see art in this vandalism manifestation, and there are those who consider it illegal.”
Legal or banned?
Banned or legalized, graffiti will always have a place to be displayed. “Drawn in secret, graffiti is art and vandalism at the same time, says Vitas.
Credit: Luminita Roman
In the UK, under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, if someone is caught doing graffiti, could lead to up to ten years sentence prison or fined if the damage cost more than £5000.
Some people think that prosecution is wrong. VIP Graffiti, one of the Graff stores in London, provides spray cans of paint for artists from all over the world.
VIP Graffiti store - Photo credit: Luminita Roman
“They are not vandals,” says the owner of VIP Graffiti, Bulent Huseyin, 60, known as Billy Boy.
“It is just another way for artists to express their skills as a voice in a visual form.”
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