The sharp-edged script tagging on a Metro train ride into downtown hardly look like art. But, slightly off the boardwalk of Venice Beach, the walls of colorful portraits and creative abundance are hard to miss.
So the question is what is graffiti? It is everywhere – on the walls, freeway signs, in art galleries, on clothes, even in bathroom stalls.
The question baffles me because graffiti is everything. It permeates many facets of life and is interwoven in history. And, it's transformation is ever changing. From the primitive drawing's and scratchings on walls to the more modern-day graffiti, it continues to maneuver its way in society.
The more modern day graffiti is associated with a culture behind the art. It's a part of underground hip-hop, the “B-Boy/Girl” culture. It is also associated with gang territory. It is an expression through pictures and words. It is anarchy. It is a way to make political statements. The definition is relative.
But, the focus here is on the exploration of the culture and art of the modern-day movement.
Although graffiti continues to be stigmatized with crime, there are outlets for graffiti artists. Venice Beach has walls for graffiti artists to outlet their creativity. Every artist needs a permit to paint on the walls. And, every piece is temporary as new artists are continually painting over previous ones. The best part, it's a free permit for the artists.
As the exploration continues, more posts to come soon.
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