A thin line between artwork and graffiti
It’s sort of funny that graffiti is only labeled "vandalism" if it’s not properly authorized and sanctioned by the culture. If graffiti is commissioned by a business for advertising or such, then it’s "art." But if it’s done on the sly then it’s denounced by the state as "vandalism."
Why then are not all the signs tacked to utility poles reading, "we buy houses" and "lose 900 pounds today" pursued with equal passion and vigilance?
I think the answer is that Greensboro is still very uncomfortable with anything that doesn’t conform and isn’t officially controlled being seen by the public. Maybe this is one reason graffiti will continue to thrive here, because everything in Greensboro is so look-alike and monotonous that young artists have to create some boredom "relief."
D.M. Mitchell
Greensboro
Comments (3)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
D.M. Mitchell:
Where do you work? We'll send all these "artists" over there to "create some boredom 'relief.'"
Posted on July 4, 2005 4:19 PM
Is it just me or does everyone see all those strange characters in this letter? Can't someone at N&R make this look better?
Posted on July 5, 2005 9:38 AM
"truth" the taggers have hacked there way into the N&R's website it appears. :)
Posted on July 5, 2005 10:33 AM