ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
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Graffiti as Art? The word graffiti is a plural derivation from the Latin word graffito, which was derived from the Greek word graphein meaning “to write.” Some of the earliest graffiti was found in Pompeii, carved into the walls of homes and monuments. Subject matter included quotations from literature, insults, political statements and caricatures, and love declarations. (Sound familiar?) Today, graffiti continues from its ancient legacy to evolve into “writing” by using spray paint. Graffiti can be found on virtually any viaduct or railroad car in the United States. Examine more of this history and its evolution to an art form (albeit illegal art form) today.
1. Richard Serra’s sculpture, Tilted Arc, was removed and destroyed eight years after it was created. The work was heavily criticized by those who worked nearby. Many objected to its enormous size, which forced them to walk around it when they wanted to cross the plaza. Part of Serra’s intention, however, was to make people more aware of their surroundings as they walked past the sculpture. Some objected to the raw steel wall because its rust-like surface was often covered with graffiti and could not be completely cleaned. Others thought the sculpture might attract rats or terrorists. Graffiti is a common sight in many cities, and much of it is regularly cleaned off, painted over, or obliterated quickly as it appears on bridges, subway trains, or warehouse walls. Many people perceive the spray-paint works as eyesores, signs of gang activity, or illicit damage to public and private property. Yet to many graffiti artists, their work is a way to make an individual mark on an uncaring city or even a form of personal expression that should be respected. They point out that people do not object when billboards and bus shelter ads appear without their approval. Recently, some art museums have commissioned graffiti art on walls near their institutions, and some graffiti artists ask permission before making a work.
Is it really graffiti if it is legal? Does art belong only in certain places?
Should people have the right to determine what imagery is in public spaces around them, and how it looks?
Does graffiti have merit? Should graffiti be an area of study given its illegal history in the United States? Why is it illegal if it has been practiced for thousands of years?
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT ( EXAMPLE ESSAY/ DRAFT)
Graffiti has a rich history that dates back to the time of Pompeii, where it was a form of expression and communication. Graffiti has developed into an art form nowadays where detailed graphics and designs are created on both public and private property using spray paint. While many regard graffiti as an impermissible and harmful act, others see it as a chance for individuals to leave their mark on a city that frequently seems heartless.
Tilted Arc, a sculpture by Richard Serra, serves as an illustration of how controversial public art can be. The sculpture received harsh criticism for being so large that it required people to walk around it in order to cross the plaza.