I have always had a fascination with graffiti. Whether the graffiti I see is badly executed or something more in the lines of the fabulous urban art which is gaining popularity these days, I adore running into it.
In some cases, graffiti seems to be the raging expression of discontent among the voiceless and at times the act of graffiti is a statement in itself, a way of rebelling against society and the way that things are done.
Graffiti generally refers to images and/or letters which are spray-painted, painted, scratched or marked in some manner on the surfaces of properties or public areas. It has been around for thousands of years – especially notable in ancient Greece and Rome – best of all, we can still see ancient graffiti today, at places like the excavations at Pompeii in Italy.
Scholars are now realizing that graffiti was actually a common practice among ancient Romans and the graffiti contained everything from romantic messages to praise for the government as well as wishes of prosperity for the city. Rebecca Benefiel, an assistant professor of classics at the Washington and Lee University even discovered an ancient poetry contest on one of the walls in Pompeii.
According to a research paper by Timothy Werwath*, graffiti can largely be divided into two categories: communication/cultural frustration and individual expression.
When we look at the first category, we return to the concept of Public Art whereby a message is being conveyed to the public in general. While this message can be a very powerful tool in communicating a society’s satisfaction or displeasure, it can also bestow the gift of hope and inspiration to that same society. The beauty of graffiti is that in general it is an art form practiced by conventional people, so the subject matter of the graffiti tends to be of a more general nature and is easily related to.
When we look at the second category (individual expression), graffiti then tends to move toward more artistic inclinations** and personal messages. Everything from messages of love to profound statements, the graffiti fueled by the individual’s personality is abstract and while it might be a bit difficult to understand, it is extremely interesting to view and interpret.
In South Africa, I have noticed a gradual increase in quality and quantity of graffiti over the years and I even had the privilege to see a photo of an acquaintance’s work for sale at an exhibition. I also noticed that graffiti commenting on political issues have increased as well.
When the leader of the AWB, Eugene Terre’Blanche was murdered and the political parties where grabbing their soap-boxes in a mad dash to air their opinions, images of his face sprang up all over Pretoria. What the message of this was I can only guess at, but it just goes to show you that quiet opinions spring up, even at the very tip of Africa.
Graffiti isn’t always great and it definitely doesn’t always have some profound message or social statement – sometimes people just like painting on walls or causing trouble – but that should not take away from the fantastic graffiti that is out there.
There are many great examples of graffiti past and present, but all cannot be covered in one post. I would like to leave you with this thought though: next time you see graffiti on your way to work or some other engagement, take a few minutes to think about what is being said.
Blessings,
Mel
Next week: Street Art.
* I have no idea who he is, but I found his research paper very enlightening and interesting.
** As we generally understand the term.
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