Graffiti Research Paper

Graffiti: Art or Vandalism Expressing myself artistically, I spray painted on a wall when I was little as an art project my class was participating in at school. This was a fun experience and I felt as if I was giving back to the world and creatively showing my talents and passions. This is where my development of graffiti was started and sparked my interest in it. Living a large city now definitely brings back numerous memories of it in my life. My interest was heightened even more due to the new location and increase of graffiti.
In my perspective, graffiti is a form of art and talent in which artists can express to and with the general public. I understand that in some circumstances, some might consider graffiti to be unpleasant to
I narrowed down my research an article written by Whitney Pipkin. It expresses the idea that graffiti is not only a form of art, but also a gift. This is a powerful idea because not only does it make you reflect on graffiti in one aspect, but also on a another aspect in a much deeper meaning. Pipkin also depicts a man named “Alec McDowell” who grew up being a graffitist and his role in being a pilot to a program for teens to use graffiti the right way. “It struck him as “a gift for everyone to see.”.(Pipkin 2)” Presently, McDowell is contributing his skills to many communities around the U.S. by teaching teens how to properly and legally use spray cans to create murals in specific places. “…parents have been pleased with the program, which so far has attracted art-minded teens (Pipkin 2).” To me, concrete evidence is and example of a real person embodying helpful and creative traits in which they share to the world is a definite way to have a positive position on this topic. In the first page of Pipkin’s article, it discusses how some graffiti art is considered a menace and categorized as vandalism, but if done correctly, graffiti can be used as a legal and beautiful form of expression. Overall, the overwhelming message was that graffitists need to be
I basically search all possible articles that discussed graffiti in an artistic way, rather than vandalistic. I acquired this article, “The Writing on the Walls”, which discusses a new program in a Los Angeles area where they have created a legal way for graffitists to express their art. “However, graffiti — from grand, elaborate murals to smaller, less-planned "tags" — often has been an unwelcome guest in the tourist area, frequently drawing complaints from residents. (Hart 1)” This article states how the new program gives graffitist open space and limited regulations to express their art to reduce the spread of graffiti in residential. Having such a well-developed understanding on the issue of graffiti, the city decided to solve the problem rationally and positively. This definitely is a big “plus” on my postion on the topic. “ICU responded with a new idea to attract artists to paint the pavilion 's walls instead.” Cities and organizations are looking for deterrents to help better the community as whole rather than restricting or ignoring the graffiti. “The city council also has contributed $15,000 to help with the organization 's efforts. (Hart 1)” Not only is the city dealing with the matter of graffiti and graffitist, there are also putting funding into programs and organizations to create the best possible outcome in hopes