Artistic Rebels

     Graffiti is highly illegal. Yet, some say it is a nuisance while others say it is a form of art. But whether or not people like it, it is part of the city. It is part of our city.  Graffiti represents how urban space can be used in another way besides its obvious intended use. Walls are no longer used for just holding up structures, rather they transform into enormous canvases for artistic expression. Most of these pictures are a message board for local community issues. Most of them beautify urban space, and help express the artists’ inner emotions.  

     Graffiti originally dates back to about 30,000 BCE where it was used in historic sites such as and other ancient ruins. The earliest forms of it where found in caves painted on the cavern walls. Bones were used to mix natural paints that consisted of dirt, berries or whatever could create a desirable color and last for a substantial amount of time. Today a more modern method has been developed.  Artists use anything from markers and spray paint to stickers and posters to share their ideas with the world.

     New York City is one of the most prevalent places to discuss when talking about graffiti. There, it lines the tracks of subway stations, covers massive walls and consumes any public space. However, in Austin, a more diluted version of this artistic rebellion has etched its way onto our cities walls. In a city where weirdness is expected and the arts are embraced, graffiti is taking over and it is delivering its message.

     The infamous “I love you so much wall” is an example of graffiti that has had a positive impact on a community. Everybody knows where this wall is. Couples, friends and partners flock to it to take pictures with their loved ones. Because of these words, a green wall has been transformed into something that directly affects the community. It brings people together and allows them to express their love for others.

     Secondly, on a wall in Austin we are shown graffiti picture of an astronaut who wants to work. This cartoon figure states that “I wish I had a job” and someone has sprayed the words “not good enough” right beside it. In this instance, graffiti has been used to convey a political message. It states that just standing around looking for a job to fall in your lap is not good enough, one must actually go out and seek one.  With the economy about to plummet into a second recession the astronaut represents the desires of the many people who are unemployed. The figure’s hands are limp at its sides as if in full submission to the forces that hold it down. Also, the blacked out face depicts the hopelessness that the unemployed feel towards the job search.

    Lastly, in this picture, we are shown a billboard which announces the construction of a new hotel in the trailer park eatery on South Congress. The picture is covered with the words “We don’t want” protesting the development of a structure that will defile the street of SoCo. This piece of graffiti is significant because it represents a portion community’s viewpoint with three simple words. It sends a political message and revolts against the higher powers which are going to destroy what impacts many peoples’ lives.

Overall, graffiti is not desirable in all circumstances. Sometimes, it decreases the value of urban space rather than enhance it. Even though it is illegal, artists today still continue to risk punishment in order to get their message across. Whether it be some sort of political rebellion, a method of tackling social issues or just a desire to express themselves in a public space, the love of art drives artists back to public walls. I see it as an unconventional news paper, spreading the word for anyone to see.