Discussion on Whether Graffiti Should Be Treated as Art

My views on Graffiti is it Art or Vandalism that is the question many people want to know there are two sides to this debate the people who feels graffiti is art and also a form of self expression and the others who feels it is nothing but ruthless out of the way vandalism. Both sides have a very good argument but only one can be rite before we are able to take any sides we must first know what exactly graffiti, art and vandalism are? According to Oxford dictionary Graffiti is writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.

Now vandalism defined by Webster's dictionary is deliberately mischievous or malicious destruction or damage of property. Now Art Defined by Oxford dictionary goes ahead to describe Art as “the expression or use of creative skill and thoughts, usually in a visual form such as sculpture, creating works to be treasured mainly for their emotional power.

Based on these definitions it is now clear that to me and hope to you that Graffiti is vandalism and not art as people want to believe. People may ask if the description of these words alone can be used to determine the debate, this question can be depended on the intentions of the writer or sprayer of the graffiti. Vandalism becomes vandalism when its intention is mischievous and carried towards destruction of property without the permission of the property owner, designates and authorized agents. Let me asks you a question is tagging a wall with spray paint or the back of a school bus chair with an ink pen Or the windows of a bus with markers ,is that art no ! Is not! Art is not that art is something everyone should enjoy! Not a bunch of sore loser with Spray cans, and ink pens painting and scribbling on Public walls Buses, fences or somewhere that does not belong to them. Viewing graffiti as art is limiting when it comes to law enforcement because graffiti is considered illegal and against the Law. Drawing on private property without the owner’s permission can lead to hefty fines, hours of community service, and possible jail time. Although colorful pictures can convey positive message such as "say no to drugs" it can be considered vandalism if it defaces people's property because the artist went against the law and marked up space that was not their property to begin with. Gaining the permission from property owners determine whether or not graffiti is art because it's considered vandalism if there was no consent to begin with. Even though some artwork has great potential to be in art museums, artwork turns into vandalism as it continues to be illegally drawn on prohibited spaces.

Determining where graffiti stands in life has been a controversial issue for years. Questions on what makes graffiti art and not vandalism will remain unanswered until both anti and pro graffiti activists come together to seek out the true meaning of graffiti art. In the mean time, the law has the right to stop graffiti artists and vandalisms’ when they draw or mark up people's property without consent. No matter how beautiful the artwork may be, it will be covered up with paint if there was no agreement reached by both parties. In order to avoid being a vandalist, graffiti artists must abide by laws that are set, if they want their artwork to be recognized as art rather than vandalism.