Art Segregation

One scene in the video "Style Wars" that we watched today especially moved me. Three gentleman sat quietly and diligently working in their black books after speaking to the interviewer. It reminded me so much of sitting with fellow art students to work on homework assignments. Each of these artists has some understanding of drawing technique, perspective, color, and other painting skills which should command admiration.

Young people were shown collaborating in the streets, sharing their artistic strengths and knowledge with one another. They frequently stood back from their work and responded to it, until they reached a visual solution which they were pleased with. These activities are taught and praised in art school. I feel terribly sorry for these individuals who put so much genuine effort into their creations, only to have them misunderstood and slandered by society. Clearly, there is a huge need for greater art programs in schools.

As many documentaries have mentioned, graffiti is quite the perfect outlet for creative young people  who wish to express themselves and interact with their surroundings. While the illegality of it is debatable, it is a nonviolent crime which also provides an outlet to young people who are attracted to the thrill of defying authority.

These people possess talent and passion which could translate into a new generation of artists and appreciators. Typography and Painting are huge areas of the art world. It is such a shame to see typographic graffiti paintings dismissed and segregated from other forms of artistic expression.