In Friday’s class, we went to the library to look at graffiti. Graffiti has a wide range of interpretation. Some may think that its art and some may think that its vandalism. Looking at the graffiti in the library, I think a lot of it is boredom. Students are sitting there and their studying and they draw on the desk to give themselves a break. A lot of the drawings were in support of fraternities while others were of sexual content. Then there’s graffiti that is very much like art to me; Such as the snoopy drawing and the spaceman drawings. These were both very detailed and intricate and showed expression of the artist.
I think graffiti gives the artist a way to show their voice without anyone knowing who it is. It’s a way to show people who they are and what they stand for through art. Other times though, graffiti can be very hurtful depending on where it’s at and how people interpret it. For example, the graffiti that is on the desks in the classrooms can be interpreted as vandalism, art, and some may be offended by of it. However, I think its students boredom and they decide to doodle. It’s just like when you doodle in your notebook only it’s on the desk and some may feel that it is vandalism but I think if it was that big of a deal to the university or even students that something would have been done already.
Megan McCreery
On the concept of graffiti, I agree with Megan completely that graffiti is a form of self expression. Everyday thousands of artists create artwork to express their ideas, beliefs, religion, etc as a way of expressing their true identity. However, when we think of the term graffiti, we automatically think of sexual content just randomly scribbled in random places. However, if we really think about it, one of Italy's famous artists Michelangelo in way portrays graffiti through his creation in the Sistine Chapel with the naked figures and such. On the contrary, we don't think of this concept because it is not a poorly drawn sentence or drawing on a wall or desk like the graffiti we observe on a regular basis. With this in mind, although graffiti may not always be as beautiful as the Sistine Chapel, it is still considered a piece of art.
ReplyDeleteAlso, even though certain graffiti may appear to be offensive, we should not take it offensively because it may not be directed towards you specifically. The idea behind the piece may be an expression the artists is trying to portray through his or her artwork. All in all, we should always keep an open mind about graffiti and avoid going along with the typical associations towards the term "graffiti" itself.
I thought Friday's mini-out of class field trip was just great. It really helped me along with everyone else get a taste of what graffiti can be. Although this wasn't your average graffiti. It was basically people who were bored with studying, who wanted to express themselves. We as a class saw cartoon drawings of snoppy and woodstock, writings that talked about love and life itself. So in the end I was really happy that Professor Ahmed took us to the library to expose us to the graffiti.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey says,
ReplyDeleteGraffiti, like Megan McCreery pointed out, is a fashion of self-expression releasing core creeds. The topic of graffiti springs up a quote I once reviewed in a past English class: “Graffiti is an impulse to get recognized.” – Mint & Serf. Many people believe graffiti really brings out their best work of art. Why must we take away these artists’ freedom, punishing them for vandalism? The work of art that is generated from the minds of few can be captured and saved for years to come. It may seem hideous and absurd in the eyes of viewers, but judging the appearance does not portray the true beautiful underlying meaning of the piece. That is the reason why graffiti is an exceptional form of art. It provides a norm of self-expression by imposing underlying profound messages.
I think graffiti is intrinsically art because it is the self expression of the creator and like art, usually stands to serve no other purpose than just being. Having said that, not all art is created equal, and neither is all graffiti. Rarely do the drawings on desks and other places around campus raise existential questions or offer a new perspective on life. Usually, this graffiti contains things people are obviously thinking, whether profound or not, but would never verbalize. You have to consider the source.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Megan and Jeff that graffiti is a way for individuals to express themselves, whether or not they want attention for it. What is interesting about graffiti is the artists can choose not to be recognized by their work. Artists can say what they want to say, or illustrate something they would never create, without their work being linked to them. I agree that depending on where graffiti is done, it can create great controversy. Some public places such as churches would not be an appropriate place for graffiti, although doodles done on classroom desks are not as important.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that graffit is a persional expression of ones self. Location still is a major factor though. When I read alex's comment about the sistine Chapel, it made me think some. Noone can say that the artwork done on the Sistine Chapel is graffiti because it is a mark in History. But again, Location is the major aspect.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alex for using the Sistine Chapel as an example of graffiti. I, too, believe graffiti is a form of art, but that example gives it a completely new outlook. I do, however, also agree with Chrystal. Location has to be the key in determining if graffiti is art or vandalism. Take for instance the notorious bathroom wall remarks. As much fun as they are to read sometimes, you can't deny that the majority of them are distasteful and just plain rude. At times, I can't believe people would actually put those awful things on the walls. For the most part, you would never see this sort of graffiti in a professional office building. Just like pixie dust though, this topic is arguable for whichever stance you take.
ReplyDeleteOverall I agree with Megan most people do probably not even believe that they are doing graffiti when they are drawing on things they are most likely doing them out of boredom or to take a break and clear their minds. I personally do not believe in drawing on desks whether it is in the classroom or in the library, only because this affects the students attending this university and their parents because they are the ones having to pay for the new desks after the old ones are no longer fit for use. As long as the desks and equipment are still usable it is fine, but when they are harming others that when it is vandalism.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I view graffiti as vandalism. Whethere it is a complex drawing or just some scribbles, it is still defacing public property without the owner's consent. If they had the owner's consent, then it wouldn't be graffiti would it? I know if I had property and I woke up one morning and found drawings on it I would be mad.
ReplyDeleteRachel said:
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with Megan that the graffiti that is located on the desks in classrooms and in the library are just some form of boredom. I don’t find the graffiti to be artwork because it doesn’t really seem to have a real meaning behind what was drawn; most of it is just rude comments or inappropriate type drawings. I agree that graffiti is a part of someone’s personal expression and that it may sometimes take a couple times looking at the graffiti to realize that it actually is art and the meaning behind it.
I do, however, find it hilarious that majority of the graffiti on the school desks come from boredom. I can honestly say that sometimes when I get bored in a class, my entertainment results to drawing on desks. Most of the time it is nothing important, but I just draw. I know it is Vandalism. Josh did make a good point though when he mentioned that if a student had the owner’s permission, then it wouldn’t be considered graffiti. I never actually viewed like that.
ReplyDeleteGraffiti is a way for artists to express themselves and show their personal views, religious beliefs, ect. I think that graffiti is highly misunderstood in the fact that it is art. The reason why people do not consider graffiti art is because the manner that it is done in. When you see graffiti under a bridge or on the top of a school desk, in my opinion that is not art, but if you go to different cities and you see beautiful murals done in a graffiti type style..that is art! I believe that graffiti is just abused. An example of graffiti being abused would be by gangs. You see gang signs everywhere in major cities and I believe that is just a destruction of property.
ReplyDeleteKristi Quinn
Some may call it boredom but you have to have some of a creative mind to be able to doodle. Yes some is profanity and vulgar but if those are over looked you see a whole new view on peoples mind. I do believe that any type of drawing can be an art form. Even lettering can be art of the frat names. As for the Space mans graffiti it reminded me of some remembering their childhood and thinking back on all the fun things they did, which turns his creative mind working creating art.
ReplyDeleteGraffiti is an expression of people and it shows how they feel anot a subject in life or just how they feel in general. People use graffiti to prove a point about a topic or just to pass time. Either way you look at it the person that is doing it has a very creative mind and they put some work into what they are drawing or writing
ReplyDeleteI do find graffiti as a form of art but location is definitely an important part of graffiti. I think drawing on the desk is just from students being bored and isn't really an expression of art. I think graffiti is a form of art but violating public property I believe is vandalism.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Megan that graffiti is a form of self expression. Personally, I believe that graffiti is also a form of art, although, I also agree that location has something to do with it. I believe that graffiti on public property is considered vandalism no matter how beautiful the art is that is done on it.
ReplyDeleteI think graffiti is a form of artwork. But, there are instances that I am like why did they have to put this here. For example, like Megan said, fraternities put there letters and others put vulgar stuff that does not need to be seen by the world. I would not mark the graffiti in the library as a primary source to find good graffiti. People should go to New York City, Philadelphia, or other cities that have amazing pieces in allies and on buildings. Not just a little school desk
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