Graffiti or Art? - An Alley in Chelsea, NYC

I recently read an article about people who created graffiti being considered artists and initially took umbrage with the author who not only likened, but elevated the crime of vandalism to an art form. (The obvious initial reaction of a lawyer) :) So I began to do some research to learn more about the history of graffiti, art and the distinctions between creating and destroying in order to produce "art," and whether or not it constitutes a crime. Interestingly, the more I read about the subject, the more questions it has raised. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating topic and one worth exploring, if only for a moment.

On the one hand, examples of graffiti have been traced back to ancient Roman and Greek societies. It can consist of anything from simple wall scratches to elaborate designs, can be used to communicate political messages or simply to beautify a otherwise drab piece of concrete, bricks and mortar. However, it can also deface someones property, leading to a lot of money (personal or government tax dollars) spent to have it removed. It is also highly prevalent in the gang world, to denote a gang's "turf," send messages about rival gangs or potential attacks, etc. And finally, while it may sometimes be lauded by ending up in a museum or art gallery, its creators may also be booked, indicted and found guilty of vandalism and destruction of public property. All of this leads me right back to one of my favorite questions to grapple with: Who gets to decide what constitutes art?

For instance, is it in the discretion of the viewer or the creator? Does graffiti become "art" when it is more appeasing to the eye? When it is done on one type of structure or another? Does is depend on the size, colors, or actual design? Does it become art if it ends up in a museum or gallery? If the creator was paid to produce it? When it is created for the purpose of beautifying a structure as opposed to destroying one? These are certainly intresting questions to think about and debate. Hopefully they lead to even more questions and raise the discourse of this interesting distinction/duality of graffiti and art.

Here, I hoped to raise the question through photography.... is this your idea of graffiti or art? (And to delve even deeper, does my photograph of this image constitute art?) Enjoy.....