Graffiti: Valid Post Modern Artistic Phenomena or Trite Expressions of Delinquency?

Call it wishful thinking but the underlined sentence you just read could eventually become a invaluable objet d’art that could incite cross-cultural revolutions. Of course, some would beg to differ, but upon consideration, I (and perhaps a few others) could argue that because of its originality I inadvertently created a masterpiece. Some would feign call me delusional for even considering this but we will leave my artistic merit (or lack thereof) to the faculties of future generations. The fundamental question though is: what  makes art discernible and who is worthy of emulation and further study? It is this question that I seek to answer with a particular emphasis on the notorious works of the pseudo-anonymous graffitist- Banksy. I focus on graffiti as a valid expression of postmodernism and not as wanton juvenile acts of vandalism; as such one could raise the argument that graffiti is artistically misaligned. As his first exhibition since 2000 runs in Bristol, this anonymous character is once again intent on testing our traditional notions of art and propriety.

From the rudimentary etchings in caves to computer generated pictograms, art has existed since the dawn of civilization and is in an interminable state of flux. What is art, why do we create it? I regard art as the (often) aesthetic manifestation and translation of intrinsic awareness. Granted this definition could be considered inadequate, there really exists no absolute definition that covers the range of artistic expression. With such a vague definition, it would be easy to lump all the pretentious nonsense in the world as art, which they are in some manner since even misguided artistic forays have some merit. Due to its subjective nature, we could argue indefinitely about the spark of creative genius that separates craft from the sublime, yet I believe one universal characteristic is originality. A common trait among recognized artists being that they offer no definite explanation of their work because it is often an apt statement. If originality is an indication of artistic temperament then let us examine the inception of a revolutionary art form that contemporary Art spawned.

There is no doubt that the unparalleled economic success of the United States in the 1950’s was responsible for the emergence of a consumer society. It was out of mockery of consumerism that a radical avant garde movement begun which changed the nature of the art world and society.  This movement was the known as the Post Modern Era and its artists drew from ad hoc elements from pop art and counterculture. Postmodernism eschewed the traditional conventions of beauty and drew inspiration from the imagery of consumer society. Post modernism was responsible for infamous icons such as David Hockney, Yoko Ono, Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol. It was also out of the Post Modern Era that the controversial art form-graffiti reemerged and became firmly entrenched.

It is a common misconception that graffiti is a 20th century phenomenon. Though actual dates are contentious, it has existed ever since the first etching was scratched onto cave walls or any other surfaces. Often regarded as primitive, graffiti is a largely overlooked and underestimated part of cultural evolution. As archaeologists and historians have proven, graffiti is a universal phenomenon. Granted that the methods have evolved and become more sophisticated, the desire to share ideas and messages has not, graffiti is still prevalent. In recent decades, graffiti has become synonymous with poverty, urban decay, vandalism, delinquency and other such unsavory elements, as such it is often treated with the utmost contempt. Is graffiti really a serious urban blight that requires policing and the heavy hand of the legal system? To an extent it is, however when it is manifested for a radical purpose I believe it to be noble form of public art that is socially emancipating. For example, in the United States graffiti provided a “means for underprivileged citizens to express themselves, in Northern Ireland, loyalist and republican murals served a political purpose and the Berlin Wall was covered in political and personal and cultural graffiti”. Graffiti has been used to start revolutions, stop wars, and generally is the voice of people who aren’t listened to who believe that they are making a mark in history. Detractors of graffiti often cite issues such as profanity and xenophobia in public spaces as their primary concern with this urban art form and this is a valid concern. Yet, what they fail to realize is that these occurrences are the reflection of societal ills which some people are unwittingly drawing attention to. People tend to think that society is somewhat utopian and that we have achieved some semblance of equanimity. This is wishful thinking; society is a complex, abnormal,  overly politically correct construct. Fundamentally, modern graffiti intent is to arouse curiosity, shed light on societal ills and provoke responses.

“Graffiti is the most prolific - and enduring- genre of public art. Although its association with vandalism tainted its early modern life, it is rapidly being accepted as a genuine form of art, exhibited in museums and even auction houses” (Birke). Let us therefore consider what separates the vandal graffitist from the man regarded as the “the most wanted man in the art world worthy of further study” ( B.B.C)? In my opinion it is the previously mentioned notion of originality, there have been myriads of graffitists but by all indications there is only one worthy to be regarded as a global cultural phenomenon i.e. Banksy. There are few artists of his ilk and talent who dare defy convention with the flair and proficiency that he does. Who is Banksy you ask? Unfortunately I cannot tell you much other than he is British and obviously because no one is utterly certain as to the actual identity of this character. However, by his infamous deeds I believe that he is a candidate worthy of observation. Banksy operates with a savoir faire that even some established artists lack. His particular brand of graffiti- guerrilla art. Guerrilla art begun in the United Kingdom and has since become a cultural phenomenon. All graffiti artists participate in this movement yet Banksy is the only artist to whom no space is sacred. He has ‘desecrated’ more impenetrable spaces than any other artist.

A work by Banksy speaks volumes in comparison to that of the other dilettantes. Banksy’s art is basically a social commentary that is rife with humorous criticisms of the institutions. His images defy convention, they are scatalogical in nature, satirical and iconclastic. Critics have admitted that ” his flair for social and political satire in his subtle yet powerful images. His anti-globalization, anti-capitalist stance, provides thought-provoking insight into the plight of modern society” (Kuo). It is obvious considering his work that Banksy definitely has that sublime characteristic that distances him from the average street artist. Furthermore, he is touted as being the next Andy Warhol. Granted that he is a graffiti punster, it is impossible to disregard his diatribe against society.

There are those who consider Banksy to be unworthy of the attention that he has recently  received. For example, the anti- graffiti organization regard all his works as acts of vandalism. Furthermore, there are others who believe that he is not equipped to make such inflammatory political claims.  They cite that he is a vandal and is desecrating spaces -this is true. Also they claim that he is nothing more than another dilettante and hypocrite because his works sell for exorbitant amounts. To these critics, consider the following response. If you consider graffiti to be vandalism then there really is no point in convincing you of its validity; however, the subjective nature of art permits expression in a myriad of forms and this is certainly what Banksy attempts! In regards to the sensationalism and exorbitant prices, I believe this to be a satirical reflection of society once again. As an guerrilla artist and an anonymous one at that, whatever remuneration and value that is placed on his work is befitting. In some ways, Banksy has achieved what most artists often miss; an opportunity to be candid in a humorous manner coupled with exorbitant financial remuneration.

It is no mere feat that this artist has become increasing popular not only with celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Christina Aguilera and renowned curators.