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Is street art vandalism or art?

Reasons for each side:

Vandalism

  • Street art is many times done without permission.

  • It is often done in public and private properties, without anyone requesting it.

  • The result of tagging or woodblocking and spray-painting over signs cause road accidents (and it has actually happened).

  • Some people think it make places look dirty, abandoned and unsafe (particularly if we talk about tags).

  • Street art is almost never in museums or art galleries.

  • Local governments spend a big amount of money in removing street art I n some towns and cities.

  • There are organizations against this.

  • Gang-related crimes and violence is associated sometimes with graffiti.

  • Public disorder crimes, like littering and property destruction can be related to graffiti crimes.

  • Since most taggers are boys between 15 and 23, it is thought that tagging may be a "gateway crime.

  • It may lead young people to more serious or dangerous crimes.

  • Street artists could do their art pieces in their own places or with previous permission.

  • There is some vulgar street art.

 

Art

  • Art is a way to express your feelings, and that is what street art is mostly about.

  • There are places where street art is allowed or even requested.

  • Street artists want to reach to lots of people, so public spaces are good for this

  • There is a huge difference between kids tagging in the street and street artists.

  • The ability to produce complicated and creative art pieces is what separates the street artists from simple taggers.

  • Some pieces can be really beautiful.

  • Producing street art with a crew builds teamwork.

  • It is something that inspires people and allows them to have a say.

  • There is absolutely nothing wrong if it’s done in the correct areas.

  • Not all artists can be known internationally, so many artists express themselves with street art.

  • People can express their feelings through this art form.

  • Some people just need something bigger than a canvas. 

  • Graffiti make cities look more vibrant and beautiful. 

  • Street art can have important messages to transmit

  • It can even be turned into a business and job.

My personal opinion:

If we analyse it the only thing that separates vandalism from street art is basically permission. However, it is a little different if we talk about street art that isn’t permanent and it’s “non-destructive”, like yarn bombing, video projection, and lock-ons, which don't have a long-lasting effect on the places they’re done. The point is, with permission any form of street art would be technically considered as public art, but without it artists are unfortunately most of the time doing some harmless vandalism. Yet, most street art is unsanctioned and some artist who paint without permission (considered then as vandals), have been recognized as genuine artist with social consciousness like Banksy. To synthesise in my opinion street art isn’t bad at all, and if it’s done in the correct places (where it’s not forbidden) people will have no arguments against it.

 

On the other hand some people do tagging and graffiti for annoying the authority, to harm the city, or as a rebellious act. In this case it isn’t a form of art at all and I wouldn't consider it as anything near street art. Hence, if those types of things are not inside the concept of street art, street art itself would always have a good purpose and a positive intention. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that it’s not the same a beautiful piece of art and simple signature or tag. True street art is far more than a spray-painted name on a wall and people should take that into account, they should know that not all street art is tagging or graffiti.

ATL skills:

  • Identify problems and develop aims, goals and objectives.

  • Make inferences and draw conclusions.

  • Consider ideas from other perspectives and points of view.

  • Develop contrary arguments.

  • Make logical reasonable judgments and create arguments to support them.

  • Consider opposites no renew perspectives.

  • Practice flexible thinking-arguing both sides of an idea or issue.

  • Consider, respect, and analyze different opinions, points of views, ideas and preferences.

To conclude, street art has a lot of hard work behind it and its unfair people don't appreciate it many times. It is a way to express feelings and it doesn't intend to harm anyone. Actual street art are elaborate pieces that can contain messages (from political issues to the artist’s own emotions) and are done for people to appreciate them. Even if the scenario of street art is unconventional they offer a break from tradition and inspire viewers. In some cases it may be art through vandalism, but its aesthetically pleasant, express individual identity, and should be recognised as an essential piece of our society and as a manifestation of culture and heritage.

Bibliography:

Uses:

Environmental effects:

By: Alberto José Otero - Personal Project 2015

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