Art Or Vandalism
Graffiti: a creative and colourful splash across an otherwise drab urban landscape or ugly daubs of paint making an intimidating environment even more so? Over the next few months we’re going to take a look at some of the best examples of street art and examine some of its more negative aspects to see just how it affects our lives.
We all have an opinion on it. To some it’s just vandalism, to others a way of expression. It’s true that at its best it can be both thought provoking and amazing, but the flip side can be very negative, hurtful, even racist. We’ve all seen the ‘tags’ on trains and buildings, people ‘marking their territory’. This isn’t something new — it’s been going on for centuries. What’s changed however is the increasing influence it has on artists, musicians, fashion and politics.
A prime example of the excitement that’s being generated by graffiti can be found in the unlikely (but somehow perfect) location of a disused arch underneath London’s Waterloo Station. It only The Cans Festival second year but already it’s generated a huge buzz and showcases some of the world’s most celebrated street artists. And let loose on a massive blank canvas, the results are truly spectacular.
