I have recently been working on a portrait series examining the relationship between artists and graffiti. I have developed some interesting conversations with my subjects regarding the evolving value of graffiti in our culture. The root issue in many of these conversations is identifying the distinction between a mural and graffiti. The American Heritage Dictionary defines a mural as, "A painting or photograph applied directly to a wall or ceiling." The same dictionary defines graffiti as, "A drawing or inscription made on a wall or other surface, usually to be seen by the public." I struggle to fully understand this distinction and these definitions, in addition to the many others I've found, fail to enlighten my thoughts.
Twenty years ago the distinction between murals and graffiti was simpler than today. A mural was a commissioned work whereas graffiti was vandalism. Over time graffiti has gained cultural respect and is now being commissioned for storefronts, billboards, or to just decorate a schoolyard like the one on 106th and Park. How does the evolving role of graffiti influence the artform? If it is commissioned, is it still graffiti or is it a mural in the style of graffiti? What role does legality play in defining the artwork? I don't know right now, I'll get back to you.
I was busy with other things the last couple weeks so I haven't thought about this idea much, but the other day I came across this scene on the corner of 10th and 4th ave। It appears as though graffiti artists themselves are battling this same idea. Perhaps I am reading into it too much and it's just a guy named mural tagging a large brick wall. I don't think that's the case. In the Image I see a statement that graffiti deserves respect as an artform, just like murals. I chose to compose this image in this way to illuminate that message. The man walking his dog serves to reiterate that graffiti is something that decorates the streets we walk on everyday.
Twenty years ago the distinction between murals and graffiti was simpler than today. A mural was a commissioned work whereas graffiti was vandalism. Over time graffiti has gained cultural respect and is now being commissioned for storefronts, billboards, or to just decorate a schoolyard like the one on 106th and Park. How does the evolving role of graffiti influence the artform? If it is commissioned, is it still graffiti or is it a mural in the style of graffiti? What role does legality play in defining the artwork? I don't know right now, I'll get back to you.
I was busy with other things the last couple weeks so I haven't thought about this idea much, but the other day I came across this scene on the corner of 10th and 4th ave। It appears as though graffiti artists themselves are battling this same idea. Perhaps I am reading into it too much and it's just a guy named mural tagging a large brick wall. I don't think that's the case. In the Image I see a statement that graffiti deserves respect as an artform, just like murals. I chose to compose this image in this way to illuminate that message. The man walking his dog serves to reiterate that graffiti is something that decorates the streets we walk on everyday.
Great post! Very interesting!
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ReplyDeleteYo my brother excellent photo and very good writing to introduce the topic, I also think it's no accident the artist wrote mural. You should go shoot the graffiti that's off the 7 train to queens, that would be sweet.
ReplyDeleteWe were very impressed and practically speechless about the depth and emotion that you put in your concepts of art and life. You see art everywhere because is part of your life and this the way you interpret your ideas. Keep working persistently and you will achieve limitless goals. Miguel and Tita.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if graffiti will always decorate the streets we walk everyday. I bet in the near future they outlaw spray paint because of the harm it does to the ozone and that it is used to vandalize. However, we will never escape white out tags, markers, rollers, etc. Philly graff is the best!
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