Looking back at last week's discussions regarding graffiti as well as our Detroit field trip, I have realized that my opinion on graffiti has taken a more definitive form than before. While I was seeing all the mesmerizing graffiti and murals in and around Eastern Market and the Art Park, I never associated any of it with "vandalism" or let alone anything negative. In fact, I couldn't stop thinking about how easily and fluidly the artworks integrated with the city. It felt like walking in a world where the walls spoke to you, told you their stories and reached out to you. It was an ethereal feeling because the various murals and artworks seemed to envelope me wholly, truly seeking my attention and initiating dialogue in my head. The diversity of themes, artistic styles and social messages associated with each work was the key highlight of the trip for me. Maybe it is because I am an artist that I tend to think that graffiti is not a form of vandalism at all, but I know for a fact that this viewpoint has been developing quite strongly in my head. At the same time, it is interesting to note the perspective of the other side, like that of the officials and people in authority, who view graffiti with almost disgust. This comes up quite frequently in Style Wars, which I thoroughly enjoyed watching. The Mayor goes as far as to say that all the recent graffiti in NYC is "destroying lifestyle" and something along the lines of how it is becoming "difficult to enjoy life" due to it. The documentary does a great job of fluctuating between different perspectives and thoughts on graffiti. I feel that this issue is definitely a two-sided one, but lately I am finding myself more and more on the side which believes that graffiti is simply an expression of creativity and art, which can serve much purpose.
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