Is it Art or Vandalism?

By: Robert Banksy

Graffiti is writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place. Graffiti ranges from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings, and has existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. This is the Wikipedia definition for graffiti but here’s my question. Is graffiti art or is it just vandalism? In my opinion graffiti can be both art and vandalism. By law graffiti is known as vandalism because of the public and private property that is being “defaced”. Some graffiti art works are nothing more than their names, or initials and numbers written out on buildings and doors, this in my opinion is just tagging and nothing more. However graffiti artists such as Banksy who is known worldwide are considered real artists. Banksy specializes in satirical political and societal commentary as well for stenciling, spray paint, and fine brush paintings which are very detailed. His work has meaning; it’s a form of expression. Also Graffiti originated in ancient civilizations and the drawings and writing on the walls then are taught in our art/art history classes today as the earliest form of art and communication.