| |
Graffiti is a street declaration of pride in one’s name, neighborhood, or culture. It can also reflect the graffiti writer’s political or social views of society. Those who study graffiti and can decipher its cryptic letters confirm that graffiti tags, throw-ups and pieces contain complex and multi-layered messages. Many argue that graffiti causes fear in those who are not part of the subculture. This fear is generated because of the passerby’s inability to read the letters or understand their meaning.
Frustration over determining artists’ hidden meaning has long been synonymous with gallery art as well. Visitors to modern art museums often become agitated when there is no information provided concerning the ‘meaning’ of the work. It would not be uncommon for a visitor to step back from an art composition as intense as Pollock’s She-wolf and struggle to decipher the message Jackson was trying to convey. Because of this many visitors to modern art galleries have expressed feelings of anxiety, frustration, and exclusion.
In many ways viewing graffiti art on the street, is much like viewing contemporary art in a gallery. Most graffiti artists, especially post-graffiti artists, claim that their work should make people stop and think. However, unlike in a museum or a gallery, there is no one on the street to provide interpretation of the art. top
|
