Art comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s an impressionist painting, an ancient sculpture, an intricate mosaic or a toilet. Straight lines or swirling lines, monochrome or an explosion of neon, realistic or abstract, yes or no. However, what unites these diverse mediums and applications is the message and emotional impact on the viewer.
However, there is one art form that sits on the fine line between vandalism and art, and that is graffiti. From works that make you ponder your existential purpose in the universe, to the evocative message of “I’m here lol,” graffiti is here to stay, and today we’ll take a look at some of the best works humanity has ever come up with with, as shared by the “It’s graffiti, but why?” Facebook group.
This is filthy goodness that hits the spot for quality content. So be sure to upvote your favorites and leave comments along the way, and if you’re in the mood for actual art, here’s a link to we previous article. Oh, and one more, because I couldn’t choose. Now let’s get into it!
More information: Facebook
People are often divided when it comes to graffiti. Is it art? Is it vandalism? Should it be penalized more heavily or encouraged more? Should any form of writing on the wall convey any meaning beyond its original? While smarter people like me discuss these topics and attempt to find answers, the rest of us can simply laugh at the silliness of it all.
The Facebook group “It’s Graffiti, but why?” has united over 66,000 members who love to share and laugh at the dumbest and most random graffiti finds. Since September 2015, it has become a center for those who appreciate the absurdity of life, as well as its fragility. But enough of fancy wordy talk, let’s get into some more interesting bits about graffiti as a whole.
As stated by the Eden gallery, graffiti is a form of visual communication created in public places. It is usually produced illegally and often involves the unauthorized marking of public or private spaces by individuals or groups. It bears an uncanny resemblance to ancient inscriptions and cave drawings, which tell a story of contemporary life.
Regardless of that fact, the art form has been heavily criticized by the public as a whole, and it has only recently begun its journey to being recognized as real art. As stated by Jonathan Jones, the vast majority of graffiti is ugly, stupid and vaguely menacing, with only a small portion of anything witty or creative. “It’s boring and expresses a general disdain for community, kindness and the weak,” he says. But one should probably look at why people graffiti in the first place.
Modern graffiti began in the 1960s in New York City and Philadelphia, with one of the very first graffiti writers being Taki 183, who found himself bored one day. As he walked the streets, he was met with a small piece of writing that spelled out Julio 204. Taki got inspired and started writing his name everywhere. Others got inspired and wanted to try it too, and suddenly the city of New York was covered in names and addresses.
Nikita Krakhofer explains that it has become a kind of game and challenge. The way to get better at this game was to write in a better way than the others, and that’s how different styles emerged. Needless to say, this was highly illegal and dangerous. It can land you in jail, pay a hefty fine, or simply die because of the risk involved in being on the train tracks, in the subway, or in other dangerous places. But that didn’t seem to deter people.
There are certain aspects of creating graffiti that give one a rush, unlike that of simply drawing or painting. It gives one a sense of freedom to create anything and everything without limitations for space. It also brings a sense of rebellion against the system, society and any norms that may be critical of their message.
Furthermore, it can lead to fame and notoriety on a global scale. As long as one is incredibly good at what they do, or incredibly stupid to try to mark the most dangerous places. But, similar to mountain climbing, graffiti artists want to ‘climb’ them all—collect all the street spots, subways, cars, etc.
Regardless of all these reasons, the one that can unite every single graffiti artist is the desire to leave one’s mark on the world. To express yourself and be recognized for existing. Being known for something as illegal as vandalizing property, no matter how beautiful or artistic the subsequent graffiti, makes this graffiti worth it.
Besides, if we look at some absurdist philosophy, we might realize that we are looking way too deep into this as it is. Absurdism refers to the complex human tendency to find meaning and inherent value in life and the inability to do so in an aimless existence within an irrational universe. Having the ability to be aware of the absurd and respond to it allows individuals to achieve a greater degree of their freedom, and so we land back here to these examples of graffiti.
At the end of the day, graffiti is a language of today’s society. Although the actual doodle or genital silhouette lacks any artistic value, it speaks volumes about contemporary issues, some of which still revolve around the fact that we are an insignificant part of the universe with limited lifespans, and trying to satisfy our desire for the eternal life.
Or it means absolutely nothing and serves only as a means to temporary happiness for the artist and for the spectator. While that building may not stand forever, the memories and paint may outlive the people who put it there in the first place, and that’s all that matters.
As you continue scrolling through the list, be sure to vote up your favorites and leave comments below, and I’ll see you all in the next one!
