Does graffiti symbolise a neighbourhood in decline, or should it be seen as valuable art? Join Labs panellists in the great graffiti debate
Graffiti ‒ an act of vandalism and a sign of a neighbourhood in decline?
Some would agree, but increasingly, this view is being challenged by the growing prominence of ‘street artists’ who create graffiti that many people would consider to be valuable works art.
Just last week, a collection of works by British graffiti artist Banksy sold for more than £400,000 at an auction in London, and graffiti stencils by the Russian street artist ‘Pavel 183’ have also sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds.
On the other hand, the usual perception of graffiti as a 'problem' persists: English Heritage reported recently that around 70,000 listed buildings are estimated to have been damaged in 2011 ‒ from, they cited, a combination of graffiti, urination and metal theft.
What are your views on graffiti? We asked Labs participants to have their say on the issue
Responses tended to represent one of two general opinions: panellists either felt that graffiti was largely an act of vandalism regardless of its type, or felt that in some situations, it can be acceptable and even seen as art. The responses we received made it clear that it is the content, style and message of the graffiti that matters.
Many people also suggested setting up designated areas to keep graffiti under control, while a few participants proposed new penalties for graffiti that is unmistakeably anti-social.
What do you think about graffiti? Join the debate by using Disqus below
Here's what our poll participants had to say...
1. All graffiti is vandalism
Argument 1: It makes an area look run-down
“It makes our country look untidy and not well kept” Susie B, Newcastle upon Tyne
“Graffiti makes an area look run-down and uncared for, somewhere where you would not like to shop or live” Anon
“Even when done well, which is very rarely, it looks awful. It makes an area look run-down;if these people are so keen on doing it they should do so on their own homes”Rosie S, Staffordshire
“It makes some areas look like war zones and the authorities should be more keen to remove it” Peter F, Surrey
Argument 2 - It is illegal
Argument 3 - Others have to clean it up
2. Some graffiti is acceptable
Argument 1 - It can be artistic and improve the look of the area
“Very occasionally, graffiti can be a mini work of art which brightens up an otherwise boring wall” Anon
“Graffiti that is art, like well-drawn pictures that enhance a buildings plain wall is acceptable. If it is used to disguise an ugly piece of architecture or an eyesore is certainly going to enhance the area” Mikki T, Scotland
“An artist that has made use of a run-down building to create their art is in fact using his/her environment to its full potential. It is giving the building of neglect a new purpose” Anon
“Sometimes graffiti is used to paint murals in connection with youth club work etc. and helps cover untidy areas. This can brighten up the village or town” Anon
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