post 2: MODERN ART: Street art (Graffiti)

How those simple writings on walls or so called Graffiti evolved into Street art? What are the differences of traditional art from street art?

I became more curious about these questions that is going around through my head so I've searched some stuff that would answer my question, then I came across this interesting movie entitled “Exit through the gift shop”  directed by Banksy. The movie was very interesting because it showed the viewers what is really happening behind those graffiti works. The movie also showed what are the artist’s or the “writer’s” (term they call to graffiti artists) triumphs, hindrances, and problems before they can proceed to their work.

In the movie they also showed how graffiti turned into street art. The writers organizes some sort of exhibit showing their works then people would go to the exhibit and they will pass on the news of the exhibit and it will be known, but before the do such thing first they must build their name and credibility by showing their works on street walls because that’s where people will notice your work and they will be more curious about it. One of the factors that really made graffiti into a work of art to the people’s eyes is that it’s being recognized by famous people and collectors are buying their work.

For me street art and traditional art is not that different because they all both send a message to the viewer and they are both made artistically, however street art I think is more harder than traditional painting because street art is illegal and when making it time is of the essences but in traditional art you can have all the time you want to finish your work.

In conclusion, graffiti is now becoming more and more popular and being noticed by a lot of people but not just only ordinary people but also famous stars, so I think it’s really time to accept it as a work of art as we have accepted the traditional art.

post 1: What is Graffiti?

Have you ever wondered what are those words and drawings depicted on walls? Isn't it illegal?  Is it some kind of art form?

I saw the meaning of graffiti in the Oxford Dictionaries, and it is said there that “Graffiti is writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.”  After I have known the meaning my interest to graffiti got bigger, so I've searched more about it. I came across to an article by Susan A. Phillips entitled Graffiti Definition: The Dictionary of art. She defined graffiti “as illicit marks that has coherent compositions.” She also defined it as “a type of discontinuous communicative strategy through which people can engage in a visual dialogue which does not rely on face-to-face interaction or necessary knowledge of the writers' identities.”

Based on my understanding to the article, Graffiti is some sort of illegal action made by people because it is vandalism. It is also a type of communication where the message is delivered to all who sees the work. Graffiti also transformed from simple toilet vandals to colorful artistic writings on walls.

She also stated that graffiti “has also become attractive to certain professional fine artists -- the work of the late Keith Haring in particular became "legitimized" as it moved from New York's subway walls to the walls of galleries and private collectors in the USA.” By that statement I can say that graffiti is a form of art. Personally I look at graffiti as a form of art, because of its fine details and color.

In conclusion, Graffiti is seen everywhere (on walls, streets, buildings and other place that can be painted on). It is illegal because it is not permitted by the government and it is vandalism, but if you will understand and look closely to these work you will appreciate it as a work of art.