That photo is a pretty sorry excuse for one representing "grafitti art." There are much cooler ones out there. Grafitti art is part of the subculture of hip-hop and is already regarded in a positive light by people in that scene.

Firstly, i didn't add that photo there. It was added my the mods. Secondly, you didn't answer the question. Its society as a whole, and not only those people into hip-hop.

I agree there could have been a better representation of graffiti other than the picture that was posted. As far as the culture being embraced by society - there are places where it has already happened. I know of companies and cities that have taken second looks at the artists, and hired them for their skills - trying to get them away from the illegal side of graff. I also am aware there are a lot of people out there that do look down on graffiti, and I don't blame them because there are some artists that do cause a lot of damage on buildings and property, and unfortunately, they would rather showcase their talents illegally instead of in a productive environment (as far as society is concerned).

Lynn, note that I wasn't blaming you for the photo; I was making a general statement. Secondly, Daygo is right and it has happened in many places, not just with people that are in the hip-hop scene, but among those that understand its legitimacy AS a scene and a culture. My generic "yes" answer, I used as a vote. Sorry that you weren't satisfied with my comments but I was simply making a point that I thought was interesting and might generate a little discussion.

They already have...at least somewhat--Jean-Michel Basquiat.

as long as they continue to force their 'art' on shop owners and city infrastructure, they will continue to be shunned by the majority of the public... the percentage of graffiti that can be considered art is HUGELY out weighed by the large majority of street punks who tag buildings and property for gang and personal advertisement...

I've seen some great graffiti that shows some real talent...However, when it is "destructive of private property" it cannot be viewed in a postivie light...however, there is something kind of like a traveling art show when you watch the train go by with all that graffiti on it.

There's a great graffiti club for young people in Plymouth that uses professional graffiti artists to teach kids how to make proper graffiti art. Also Plymouth Council have deigned hoardings legal to graffiti on. It's a great idea.

There are some places like that here, too, estella... Here's a link if anyone is interested.

It's still vandalism, regardless of how nice it looks.

garffiti artists are glorified vandals. They should be locked up and fined very heavily.

I do graffiti, and if it WAS allowed, I wouldn't do it.
I'm not artistic enough.

Illegal art is usually the best.

On Thursday 7/10/03 - 7:23:14 AM neon wrote: garffiti artists are glorified vandals. They should be locked up and fined very heavily.

On Thursday 7/10/03 - 7:22:18 AM golfguitar wrote: It's still vandalism, regardless of how nice it looks.

SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!!!

There are plenty of graffiti artists whose work is loved by many.