Knowing that conflict is the gateway to understanding and appreciation, I don't mind the current status of my indecisiveness.
I work near downtown and live in a rural suburb.
For forty hours a week, my life centers around the ailments of society - poverty, addiction, and homelessness.
For the rest of the week, my life centers around its comforts and frivolities- family, consumerism, and athletic contests of the spectator or participatory kind.
Situated about three miles from my office, the unofficial separation from downtown and Deep Ellum is marked by the Good Latimer Tunnel. On both sides of the tunnel are wonderful displays of graffiti. Partly because of these creative displays, entering or exiting Deep Ellum brings with it a special feeling not sensed as, say, upon entering or exiting the overtly commercial and touristic West End.
These artistic displays do not mark the territory of gangs and do not feature obscene or violent pictures. These graffiti were obviously planned in advance by individuals of true skill and inspiration.
As a fan of the imaginative, I can fully appreciate this kind of display.
While the tunnel ends have been sanctioned by the city government to the extent that they have been preserved as much as possible while the tunnel undergoes demolition, it's unjust to prosecute certain practitioners and honor others based on an undefined aesthetic chart; it's either illegal or it isn't.
Still, I'm fully grateful that these pieces have been preserved.
On the other hand, about five miles from my house, some kid left his graffito on the side of a newly constructed underpass. It does not appear to have any purpose or social significance. It does not enhance, to any extent, its surroundings but instead only broadcasts its artistic ineptness. Based on the final product, its author appears to have had the forethought and talent of a nervous teenager. And as a taxpayer, I grew upset that this fresh surface had been defiled.
Perhaps the difference is entirely situational.
Last night, I caught a show on G4 about Shepard Fairey. Although I was not familiar with his name, I have been familiar and appreciative of his art even as I disagree with its sentiment. And to be entirely fair, his art does not meet the definitional threshold of graffiti, but is rather poster and sticker art. But for purposes of my argument, they serve the same function.
The first graffiti artist I recall knowing anything about was Seen. He is to graffiti what Grandmaster Flash is to rap music.
Some of Seen's earliest graphics were seen on New York's subway system during the 70's - either on maps or trains. His was a mobile art seen throughout the community as the tagged trains traversed the 6's rails. Sure, he caused the political elders to grouse about rampant hooliganism. He also inspired many artists to use their talents in a productive and meaningful manner, one of them being Fab Five Freddy.
Seen, in his generation, and Fairey, in his, offer provocative and unfiltered street art. Much of it is politically dissonant in nature, but I enjoy meaningful protest. But what I generally do not approve of is protesting society while breaking its laws.
Still, I think something would be sorely missed if graffiti, commissioned or not, were erased from our city's walls.
While our walls may be whitewashed and blank, I'm afraid our minds would soon follow.
