I have mixed feelings regarding graffiti.
Yes, technically it is vandalism but it’s also an expression of creativity that can be quite moving.
When I moved to New York I was expecting to see fantastic quality art but have been disappointed.
I’m assuming that the quality in easily accessed areas is poor because artists are required to move quickly due to law enforcement . I assume more impressive works are visible in harder to reach areas.
With the exception of it’s transit system Atlanta has less aggressive anti-graffiti measures in place.
The result is carefully executed and impressive bodies of art.
Artists are supposed to abide by an unwritten code when it comes to installation location and size.
When it comes to simple tags I am often impressed by the determination, resourcefulness, creativity and fearlessness demonstrated.
The coolest graffiti I’ve seen has been in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, on Egypt’s relocated Temple of Dendur, courtesy of Napoleon’s troops.
Graffiti is inherently subversive. How can I not help but like it?