What is neat about the article are the interesting comments by Gutierrez which signal an obvious need for artist support in the community :
“I’ve always wanted people’s attention by doing big stuff, and every time I would ask for permission, I would never get it,” he said. Give me a set of paint brushes, or give me a bucket of paint and I’ll be doing murals. I just don’t have the money or the paint.”
One of the readers asked for my thoughts on this recent event. I have plenty of thoughts on the complex and controversial subject and to read up on them check out the links below. Yet, what I would really like is for you to give your own thoughts on the matter. Share your thoughts and observations Brownsville! Graffiti, is it art? Is if right? Is it wrong? Where does it fit in Brownsville? What can be done? What needs to be done? Lover or hater, artist or critic, here is your forum to speak out!
TAOB Graffiti Posts:Audrey Hepburn Tag
The Gates Vandalized
Some Early Observations
An Early Post
9 comments:
I think our city is better off without graffiti. However, I really don't see it as being a major problem in Brownsville. I think that BPD should focus thier atttention to other types of crimes. As far as the artist, It would be cool if someone could help the guy use his talent for other causes. There is no reason to incarcerate him or charge him some outrageous fine. Someone should help the guy out and see if he can contribute to the art in our city. Who knows he have have something genuine to offer.
Anybody who is familiar with art would realize that art comes in all shapes, colors , forms and sizes. As an artist there has to be an understanding that not everyone will be open and accept the many forms of art. There will be fans, critics, supporters and of course people that just don't care.
I feel Graffiti is a form of art. It doesn't have to only exist in the exterior walls of businesses or trash cans but in a gallery next to any other type of art. There is many media that can be use to exhibit Graffiti Art. Not just your average spray can and a wall. For the budget artist there's always a way. Basquiat was considered a Graffiti Artist. He took Graffiti Art on to panels , boards and canvas. There is just many forms of Graffiti Art in itself.
In Brownsville I think any Graffiti Artist can make it big. With the only rule that they exhibit and follow the rules just like any other artist. Ask for permission to display your art. Some people will say no others will say yes. Face the public and as an artist accept all criticism whether it be good or bad. If anyone knows a Graffiti Artist they should encourage them to exhibit in Brownsville Art events : Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts International Art Show , Amigos Artistas, Imagenes, Latin Festival, and any other show or gallery that I may have missed.
There has been great feedback! Thanks Enrique, Sarah and Gabriel! I am so happy that we have so far received some local and international perspectives (AUSTRALIA!). It goes to prove that no matter where in the world, the question of graffiti as an art form and form of vandalism is an issue. My question is not if it is an art form. I am pretty much convinced of its artistic merit. My definition of art is pretty pluralistic and I can sincerely appreciate the art form, but I don't condone it.
Having been raised in a household where my parents worked their butts off to acquire the few properties we have, when our most recent property was vandalized, the feeling of violation and disrespect was very demoralizing. My question is where is the respect in Graffiti art? Is there respect for other artists? Is there respect for the canvas? Is there respect for the audience? Sometimes, graffiti art answers no these questions. Where is the respect for other artists when territorial tagging wars overshadows the art form? Where is the respect when you illegally use someone else's property as a canvas and not work for your own? Where is the respect for your audience when thousands of tax dollars or private assets have to be used to repair vandalism by graffiti?
Yet I must confess, gang graffiti is a much bigger problem in Brownsville than a few hip-hop graffiti throwups your eye might catch here and there. So to these artists, the true and few graffiti artists in our community I challenge you to consider the respect behind your work. If you want to be respected as artists in the community..then get creative and be proactive! If you want to make murals..make murals! Become active in your community and say hey, we want to help beautify Brownsville...to help make art the beacon of our community! Find ways to make money rather than mope about not being able to afford paint or brushes. If you can afford cans of aerosol paint then I assure you, you can afford brushes and acrylic paints. Carwashes and bar-b-cue plates are just some grassroot ways of making money. Can't find someone to give you persmission to paint?
I say you are not looking hard enough. I bet building owners would be happy to provide you with the materials if you are willing to make a beautiful mural on their business. Murals are also great ways to deter gang graffiti and tagging because most taggers won't touch a mural. This can be your sale pitch when you approach a building owner. Once you get a few businesses to agree around town, your reputation will grow and your art will become in demand.
I also have to question if graffiti art will ever be able to detach itself from its rebellious roots? Graffiti art is not just an art form, it is an underground culture that thrives on challenging the boundaries of society. Can graffiti art still achieve the same message inside a crisp clean gallery? Can graffiti art be institionalized? There are so many more questions behind graffiti art! The question of its artistic merit is just the tip of the iceberg! Either way, if you are a graffiti artist and want to get recogniton and respect from the Brownsville community, then join us in our fight to get the attention and support of the community. Let's get to work!
I'm a graffiti artist though I've never done anything illegal for love of my medium of choice. If someone want's to do art on the walls get permission first. Don't pretend like you can't afford paint or no one gives you permission. Approach the owner of the wall with respect and show them a sketch book or portfolio it's not impossible.
I was looking through blogs about graffiti and happened to run across this little blurb. Now I'm not from Texas I've never been, so I cant judge too much about the graffiti that has been recently appearing in Brownsville. However I am from the Bronx, in NYC. I have grown up writing admiring and living much of my life emersed in the graffiti culture. Even though I must say, it is flattering to see peoples appreciation for the artform it's self, but in the same right it's a little disconcerting to realize that people dont appreciate it's roots. Graffiti is much more than just an art form, as I stated earlier it is a culture. As unfortunate as it may seem, the illegal actions taken by graffiti artists is a much a part of the culture as the products of their actions. In some sences it ccan also be looked at as a right of passage. In my oppinion which im quite sure is shared by most of my peers within the community, you are not a true writer if you have not been out bombing. Sitting in your room doodling in your spare time does not make you a graffiti artist. By definition graffiti is art on a wall or another surface...to be seen by the public. I have so much to say but i dont want to keep you with my rantings if you would like to continue this discussion or hear more of my views about graffiti you can contact me at APESIX@gmail.com
I am not an artist. I am your average Joe on the street. There have been a few times in my life that I have seen graffiti and have found my self staring at it and admiring the intensity of it. However, when I see taggings of peoples psuedo-names such as slick! on the sides of small businesses struggling to make it, I get pissed off at the gall these people have. Graffiti I belive can be art when there is respect. However, how can I respect the art when the artist has no repsect for his own neighbors?
What grafitti? The crude scrawls I've seen around town are just a bad rehash of out of date seventies style bubble letters. The doodlers that have been throwing this stuff up on walls downtown need to pay more attention in art class, travel and see some REAL GRAFITTI and practice in their black books before they go spoiling any more walls. Their "toys" would get them laughed out of the Bronx or De Efe, after somebody threw them a beating. Give it up, suckahs. Also, what ever happened to a regional style, like the old Philly Arabesque? Don't these chulos have any orgullo? They gotta copy lame gringos?
story is missed.. pls post their work and re-up story
Graffiti is art and a way of life., but if graffiti is a crime its a beautiful crime!!!
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