Is Graffiti Art?

JAnn Bowers

Apr 2017 · Pronoun

About this ebook

See a scribble or a full mural on the side of a building or subway and most people will turn their heads in disgust. Why? Because most have a misconception of what art is, the different types of art and its history. So the question here is how can one artist, one supporter or maybe a whole community change the perspective of the world about what graffiti is and how it all began.

Larger portion of society looks at graffiti as a non-form of art. In this research essay I would like you to open your mind and for you to really take a moment to think quietly to yourself and ask what art is.

Graffiti Art is, as Banksy describes,
“Imagine a city where graffiti wasn’t illegal, a city where everybody could draw whatever they liked. Where every street was awash with a million colours and little phrases. Where standing at a bus stop was never boring. A city that felt like a party where everyone was invited, not just the estate agents and barons of big business. Imagine a city like that and stop leaning against the wall - it’s wet.”
– Banksy, Wall and Piece

Or as Cath Crowley, Graffiti Moon
“I spray the sky fast. Eyes ahead and behind. Looking for cops. Looking for anyone I don’t want to be here. Paint sails and the things that kick in my head scream from can to brick. See this, see this. See me emptied onto a wall.”
Cath Crowley, Graffiti Moon

So while you read this research essay keep the question in the back of your mind…Is Graffiti Art?