This is one of those topics people will always argue about: is graffiti considered art or vandalism? I’ve always loved finding interesting illustrations on walls, so I decided to share some of my collection of street art and talk about this topic.
I personally believe that graffiti is a modern type of art. It makes the dull and grey streets more interesting, it tells a story and becomes an integral part of its surroundings. Maybe one day in 50+ years, it will be able to represent the story and culture of the city much better than anything else. Sometimes I enjoy these art pieces much more than the ones in the museums or galleries that make absolutely no sense. But somehow someone has decided that if a picture, even if it’s weird and ugly, is placed in a gallery, it’s a masterpiece and true art. But if an amazing work is done in the streets, it’s a crime. Talk about double standards.
I think I should mention that I am merely talking about those illustrations or calligraphy writings on “insignificant” parts of the city. If someone decides to paint on a monument, a statue or a historical building, like theaters, museums, etc. it automatically becomes an act of vandalism, no matter how talented or beautiful their “drawing” will be. But otherwise I think there’s no harm in artist leaving their trail in abandoned locations, making them a new attraction place.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that graffiti has evolved throughout time. If 15 or more years ago someone would mention graffiti, most people will think about those peculiar writings that no one can even read. Now it has turned into something more. It has become a true street art that can showcase so many things. I guess the point of this post is to advise not to judge street art just because it’s not situated in special institutions. Think about it: if the same painting you see on a building was framed and sold, it’d make thousands of money. So, instead of hating on anything no-ordinary and one-of-a-kind, try to look at it with a fresh perspective and find the beauty in it.
annmary0723 
Good photos and graffities🥰
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thanks a lot😄
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A good graffiti is art. Unfortunately there are also examples that are not artistic at all but only express the desire to deface a clean wall
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you’re right! sadly there are lots of people who love to write their names or other things just to have fun. that is not acceptable
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Thank you so much for your kind reply.
Much appreciated!
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♥️♥️
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The line between art and graffiti and vandalism is very thin. All graffiti is vandalism but can be artistic. Your examples are very nice but only show the graffiti on manmade items. Too often I find graffiti on nature. Rocks and trees do not escape the paint of the vandals! Though this vandalism may be “artistic”, the rocks and trees have been damaged and defaced. Where one graffitied, so will others. When pioneers were traveling west in the 1800s, they left their names carved into large boulders. Even early humans defaced walls of rock. Without those acts of “graffiti” we would not know about those people. But now as modern man and woman do much the same, it truly takes on new meaning. I have posted some of the “art” graffiti I have found in my travels not only in the city, but also those I have found in nature. Where early man was documenting their life. Modern man is just a vandal.
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to be honest I haven’t come across graffiti on nature, apart from carvings on a tree, like their initials or sth. that is indeed sad when people ruin nature, and I am 100% against that.
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I normally like graffiti unless it is just obvious vandalism. I’ve gone to rock painting events to get a positive message out to others when they discover this message out in nature. I’ve seen photos of amazing art work done on plain landscape rocks and I’ve admired it. So in reference to
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…finishing my comment….so in reference to Sonny’s comment, I never thought about whether rock painting is defacing nature.
A lot of your great photos are of art that I’m sure was sanctioned by the city or the business owner as many places are now commissioning murals. I really enjoy them, whether sanctioned or volunteered.
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Those are very beautiful examples of graffiti.
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thanks! I like them as well!
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Ok…take three for the first part of my comment that didn’t get posted yet. I usually enjoy graffiti as long as it isn’t just vandalisim. I have been to rock painting events where positive messages are painted on plain river rocks and placed around the area to uplift people. I’ve seen beautiful painted rocks in photos and admire them. I don’t know if this is defacing nature or not. I’ve stayed in towns/cities that have wonderful commissioned murals all around and see it as valuable as paintings in museums and especially since it is free for all to see.
Thank you for your post.
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thanks for your comment! I think some of the art in my photos are commissioned so it’s definitely not an act of vandalism. I’m not sure about all of them though.
p.s. your comments were published but not under your name, but as “someone”. I don’t know why it happens 🤷🏼♀️ sometimes wordpress acts weird
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Sorry about the double comments. I looked and looked for the first post to show up as anoymous but it didn’t show, so I finally posted the repeat of the first one. If that happens, you can just delete it.
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that’s okay, I don’t mind so don’t worry about it 😄
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Good way to look at graffiti!
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thanks!
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