graf·fi·ti
grəˈfētē/
noun
- 1.writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place."the walls were covered with graffiti"
synonyms: street art, spray-painting, inscriptions, drawings;
A simple Google search brings up this definition of graffiti. In the most concrete and basic definition, graffiti is vandalism; it's illegal. However, does it necessarily have to be illegal? There is the concept of "graffiti art" which means graffiti that is legally approved. Graffiti is something that is hammered into most children at a young age to be considered delinquent gang behavior. It is a practice that people look down upon and not accepted as a legitimate form of art. Many teachers tend to stray away from teaching children about graffiti art, fearing that they will use it to vandalize in their community. However, this tactic is flawed in that it only increases the desire to break the rules and make graffiti behind the teacher's back.
It's almost as if you are giving the child a large red button, and then proceeding to tell them not to press it. However, if you explain to them the reasons why they cannot press the red button, and provide circumstances in which pressing it might be okay, then they will be more likely to obey. Teaching about graffiti has a similar effect. Sentrock, a Hispanic artist and educator, teaches children how to use graffiti art as a method of expression. He explains how to use graffiti art to further benefit oneself or one's community, and to never let it restrain you. He teaches that (illegal) graffiti is not okay, but graffiti with permission is encouraged. Children are often flexible and open to learning, especially if it is something interesting and meaningful to them. It is up to teachers to provide them with knowledge and not simply shut out new possibilities and outlets for creative expression. By teaching graffiti art and increasing awareness of the positive aspects of it, we can make way for newer generations that are fully supportive of it as an art form.Maybe in the future, the definition of graffiti can be transformed into a new definition, one that puts street art in a positive, and more importantly, legal, light. The legality of graffiti has been one of the most debated issues concerning the topic. Graffiti inside an art exhibition is viewed as art, but once pulled outside, it's vandalism. Because of the street culture associated with graffiti, some artists may even think that "legalized" graffiti displayed inside buildings are snooty and ruin the rebellious aspect of it. It's important to teach kids why it's important to obtain permission, as well as the separation between law breaking, and simply expressing yourself. This is a link to a video filled with beautiful graffiti art/street art on legal walls:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/30/arts/design/graffiti-art-of-the-city-from-the-bronx-to-brooklyn.html?_r=0
Reference
Eldridge, L. (2013, September). An unselfish act: Graffiti in art education. Art Education.
Very cool link! After our class's discussion, I'd say that we are all on board for the teaching of graffiti in the art classroom. I think we are looking at the wrong place when it comes to the great debate of graffiti. It isn't the students we should be worried about; it is the teachers who may be causing the issue. Too many art teachers are stuck in the past and do not recognize graffiti as an art form. From personal experience, I know that my high school art teacher wouldn't have talked about graffiti in the classroom. Art teachers need to be very open when it comes to somewhat controversial issues and they should be made aware of that going into the profession. Students can't be thought of as "precious gems that need to be preserved". They are our society's future.
ReplyDeleteI think your analogy about Graffiti being a red button we tell children not to press is very apt. It is important when considering hot button issues that we find a way to constructively approach a topic in a way that gives students a solid outlet. I think another way that this issue could be considered is through the Graffiti sub-genre Reverse Graffiti, which is made by power washing dirt from a wall. It has a graffiti like appearance, but it is not made in the same way so it falls in a more grey legal area. You could also tie this into a lesson about caring for the earth, this way, because more paint is not used to create this imagery.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Laura's comment about the red button analogy you made. Not addressing the issue or ignoring it creates a forbidden fruit effect for the students. I really enjoyed your link. It was really awesome how a man changed his community for the better. Although he did not considered himself an artist but a curator I thought that was really awesome as well and pulled on my heart strings. I think this video is important because it shows you that you do not have to be an artist to create beautiful work for you community and shows a new side to how you can be involved in the art world even if you might not consider yourself to be an artist.
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