They Paint These Walls To Hide My Pen
Have you ever walked down the street and noticed beautiful artwork on walls? Graffiti art has been around for a long time and it has become a way for people to express themselves. However, not all graffiti is appreciated by everyone. Some people view it as vandalism and believe that it should be removed immediately. This is why some cities paint over graffiti with a neutral color, to hide the art from view. This is known as buffing.
What is Graffiti Art?
Graffiti art is a form of self-expression that involves using spray paint or markers to create art on public surfaces. This can include walls, buildings, trains, and even sidewalks. Graffiti artists use a lot of different techniques to create their artwork, including stenciling, freehand drawing, and tagging.
Many people view graffiti art as a form of vandalism, but others see it as a way for people to express themselves and bring color and life to otherwise dull public spaces. Graffiti art has been around for centuries, with examples found in ancient Rome and Greece. Some famous graffiti artists include Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Why Do Cities Buff Graffiti?
Cities buff graffiti for a number of reasons. Some people see graffiti as a form of vandalism and believe that it should be removed immediately. Other people view graffiti as a way for people to express themselves and bring life to otherwise dull public spaces.
Cities also buff graffiti because it can be expensive to remove. Graffiti can damage the surface it is painted on, requiring expensive repairs. Additionally, some graffiti is offensive or inappropriate and can cause public outrage.
The Impact of Buffing on Graffiti Artists
Buffing can have a negative impact on graffiti artists. Many graffiti artists spend hours creating their artwork, only to have it painted over by the city. This can be demoralizing and can discourage artists from continuing to create graffiti art.
Buffing can also be seen as a form of censorship. Graffiti art is often used to express political opinions or to raise awareness about social issues. When cities paint over graffiti, they are silencing these voices and preventing people from expressing themselves in a public space.
The Future of Graffiti Art
Despite the challenges that graffiti artists face, the future of graffiti art is bright. Many cities are starting to recognize the value of graffiti art and are creating public spaces for artists to create their work legally. This helps to reduce vandalism and encourages artists to continue creating graffiti art.
Graffiti art is also becoming more accepted by the mainstream art world. Many graffiti artists have become famous for their work and have been featured in galleries and museums around the world.
Conclusion
Graffiti art is a form of self-expression that has been around for centuries. Despite being viewed as vandalism by some, it is an important part of urban culture and helps to bring color and life to public spaces. Buffing is a common practice used by cities to remove graffiti, but it can have a negative impact on graffiti artists and can be seen as a form of censorship. The future of graffiti art is bright, with many cities recognizing its value and creating public spaces for artists to create their work legally.