Hello all

I wondered what you thought of graffiti - do you think it is art?

On my train journey into the City in the morning I notice a lot of graffiti. Some is fairly simple in nature with people placing their tags on walls - but some is quite nice to look at.

What do you think?

Quite straightforward - vandalism. If somebody defaces somebody else's property, even if they think that it is artistic, then it is vandalism. So-called graffiti-art, where a wall has been given over to it is art because the owner gives permission, if they don't it is vandalism no matter how good it is.

Respect others.

I think it depends on the situation. Some people actually get paid to do graffiti in certain areas, however if you go and just spraypaint anywhere you feel like it that is indeed vandalizing

the bottom line is that its vandalism. There are many who would argue that once permission is given to paint a location, it ceases to be graffiti any longer, and becomes just a mural. Beyond that, you get into a ver objective vs. subjective sort of debate; who's to say what graffiti looks good anyhow? Graf, for the most part, is/was intended to appeal to other writers, and most outsiders would not be able to appreciate the intracicies involved in letterform, fills, and composition.

While I do sort of agree that the usual "DO BONGS" is pretty much a mindless use of time, there's even a certain art to as well. "Vandalism" does not necessarily negate art. That is, just because something is illegal does not prohibit it as also being art.

They're both... If you're creating a masterpiece on some wall without permission it's still vandalism.
But graffiti itself is art.. yes. Altough I'm not a big fan of the taggers

VANDALISM! IF YOU ARE A TAGGER OR KNOW ONE, READ THIS!!!

This happens mostly in urban areas, so you are in luck! In Houston, The Meridian Club has a huge hiphop room that is always "redecorated" inside on it's huge cinderblock walls by local taggers every month. They all hang at the club anyway, and their art is judged by their peers. It's like a gallery in there! Taggers go in during non-business hours with approved sketches (and plenty of ventilation) and go to town!
I suggest you go to your local hiphop club and talk to the owner about such a program! There are also youth program locations and other inner city venues that might be interested! Most big clubs are in dire need of paint to begin with! Ever see your local club in daylight? You could paint the office, bathrooms and everything! This could relieve property owners locally, and build up the club's business and goodwill as well...
Think, People!!! Stop being a criminal, and become the artist you truly are! As for the thrill side of it, it's probably "thrilling" to commit any crime, but remember, it will get you fined and incarcerated, and there's always extreme sports!

The kind of graffiti I can't stand is where the people just write their name, the date and who they love. Shaz luvs Daz kind of thing, totally pointless and of no interest to anyone but themselves. I don't mind if someone has taken the time to paint something which actually enhances the area.