You probably dislike Graffiti. Maybe you do not. It certainly adds something to an urban setting. What that something is depends on your personal preference. Art is subjective, we are all making individual judgements on each piece we see. Why you make the judgement you make, now that is interesting.
Modern graffiti relies on certain technologies. The spray can, marker, fire extinguisher, printing and adhesive compounds. Graffiti can be as simple as paper, pen and wheat paste glue that you boil on the stove. Graffiti has been around for a long time. Its on the pyramids.
New York is considered the birthplace of Graffiti. However, the technique has been adapted and built upon across the world. Melbourne is considered one of the best places in the world for Graff. Melbourne is known as the “Stencil Capital” of the world.
Tagging Is Punk
All things to be lauded. Except that the way you start throwing up art on walls usually begins with tagging. Which is often considered a low form of art. It also in the eyes of the law an offence. One that comes with a fine.
Yes some taggers will never go beyond just vandalising. Which is a shame because I have seen many tags that are very creative and innovative. There will aways be that element of risk. Of possibly getting caught, that will stir young hearts to wilful damage of property.
Art has always had punks and anarchists. They just did not have the technology and inspiration of today. I am certain that Caravaggio would have gone hard with a spray can. You can see the stoic tag in latin ‘Nec Spe Nec Metu’ all over the walls by the tennis courts of Rome in 1582.
Outside Galleries
Unlike Caravaggio these artworks are there for us to find. No money required. We can see the baby steps as the skill levels develop and change over time. Most artists hide there early works. Graffiti is such that you have to wait till either another work goes up. Or, that the council set it back to white again.
For variety and local flavour, for colour and vibrancy that adds something extra to our urban landscape, I love Graffiti. When I take the train. When driving along the freeways. Our galleries are not just inside. They are all around us.
Phillip Hall has been too long in Melbourne to see AFL in the same light as those back in Fremantle. East Fremantle born and bred, he would love to see the Dockers back in the eight. But would settle for just beating West Coast twice a year.