Graffiti Research Lab Vs Contemporary Graffiti
From Mod Mania
There is every possibility that sometime during everyone’s day, they are almost certain to walk past, see or notice graffiti. This graphic and often artistic display of words is now ubiquitous within society. Yet, rarely does this artwork receive the appreciation from the masses that it should, it is instead disregarded as a mere nuisance and destruction of society’s public property. This piece will discuss contemporary graffiti and its purposes within society and why it should be given far more credence that it already receives. Furthermore, this will be done by drawing parallels with the Graffiti Research Lab, a new initiative of graffiti starting out in New York and now reaching toward the world. This piece will discuss the meaning of graffiti both in a dictionary term and real world terms and what a graffiti artist might consider their work to be about, whilst also discussing the Graffiti Research Lab, their mission and goals and why they are creating these new technologically advanced methods for graffiti. Furthermore, the idea of why a graffiti artists risks a criminal record to tag something will be considered. The Graffiti Research Lab is growing and this paper will consider why it is growing so fast and whether or not their technology could be considered graffiti or whether it deserves a new definition. Finally, this piece will discuss the notion that graffiti can be inspiring in a public space and can enhance an area or look and if graffiti were made illegal would it still have the same effect, thrill and inherent rewards for the graffiti artist.
The first thing that must be discussed regarding graffiti is the most important question of all; what is graffiti and how is it defined? Taken directly from the dictionary, graffiti is defined as writing or drawings scribbled, scratched or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place. Yet, graffiti to those involved and that appreciate it most see it as something much more than that. To those who look to it and their creators as idols, it is a form of expression, of strong political statements at times or an incredible piece of art, displaying beauty and skill in the sometimes mundane. A quick search on any web page and online graffiti can be viewed for any body, any where in the world. One website which only displays the graffiti or tags created on its website proudly boasts in excess of 636,500 graphic creations. This goes to show the far-reaching popularity of the graphic art movement, where any fan worldwide can go online to look at the works of the world’s best on the other side of the planet.
With regard to the Graffiti Research Lab (G.R.L.), it is firstly important to consider who they are and what their goals are. According to the group, the G.R.L is “dedicated to outfitting graffiti artists with open source technologies for urban communication.” Furthermore, “the goal of the G.R.L. is to technologically empower individuals to creatively alter and reclaim their surroundings from commercial and corporate culture.” It is important to firstly note that whilst there can be no denying that the G.R.L. aims to aid anarchy and disorder, they do not merely wish to do so with ink and permanently indelible items like paint, but instead with items that do have a limited life like their throwies, which will be discussed later and laser artwork, which can only survive as long as there exists light to project onto an object and someone to create a message. However, especially with the laser lighting graffiti, there is no permanent mark left on the building to damage its appearance. This is a great step forward from what graffiti was defined as in the dictionary. Also, as the G.R.L.’s mission statement and dedication shows, they are committed to outfitting graffiti artists with tools for urban communication. Again, this term does not step outside the bounds to offend or to incite powerful reactions but instead it uses carefully selected words like urban communication to mask the ideas that these tools can and will be used to make strong anti political and anti capital statements.
Graffiti has now transcended the realms of mere nuisance to many in society and has become far more a part of our culture. Whether it is the stylised scribble, better known as a tag seen on a train, or a full mural wall painted on the back of a building to hopefully be appreciated by the masses that pass it daily, graffiti is everywhere. This raises the question for us all to consider; why do graffiti artists risk so much to merely have their name or alias somewhere on a train or public space? For graffiti artists it is not merely the thrill of the risk of being caught in an act that is clearly illegal, but it is also about being able to make a statement, a political comment or expression of inner feelings. Many graphic artists could sometimes feel like they are being repressed and lacking a voice in society and see their graphic expression as much more than an anti conformist thrill, but look for their way to make themselves at least feel heard, to try and alter the methods used or to make people question what they are being told. Many often consider graffiti to be a complete lack of respect for property, and dismiss it as nothing more, but for the artist that created it, it is a way of life and communication.
The G.R.L. is growing, and rapidly. With their new brand of accessible and financially viable technologies, they are creating interest with a wide variety of graffiti artists who are looking for a way to express themselves beyond ink. Furthermore, most graphic artists have an ability to draw without a stencil or guide easily, and for those that can’t, this makes graphic artistry an impossible leap away. Yet, with G.R.L. technology like a throwie; a magnet, watch battery and LED light stuck together, the potential to actually become a part of the graphic art community becomes within reach for many more. Furthermore, both the throwie and the G.R.L.’s latest creation; a laser tag, which uses a projector and super powerful laser wand to project what looks like graffiti onto a building, take the idea of graffiti to the next level. Often graffiti artists have sought to make their mark in a place higher, more remote or unreachable than any one else could have ever dared. This has sent many to an early grave. Yet, with throwies and laser tags, the impossible to reach and impossible to tag have now become firmly within the grasp of the average individual, without any risk to their safety at all. Furthermore, both of these new technologies leave little or no trace of damage to the building but still leave the graphic artist feeling as though they have been able to make their comment and leave an impact on society.
Whilst they are brilliant pieces of new technology, the throwie and the laser tag are both beyond the basic definition offered earlier for graffiti as neither is scribbled, scratched or sprayed onto a building. Does this mean that they are not graffiti? The answer is simply no. As was discussed before, graffiti is more than the idea of defacing or changing the appearance of a building for the sheer thrill, but is an opportunity to make a comment or question society. Both the throwie and particularly the laser tag make these goals possible. Whilst the throwie needs to be combined with a lot more of the same items to make a statement or word, the laser tag rapidly projects any statement wishing to be made. Therefore, it is an important part of the idea of what is graffiti and why. Further to this, one of the greatest strengths of the G.R.L. work is that they have made their software open source. This means that without any charge or membership fee, the software painstakingly developed is free for all to use. This further makes it a part of the graffiti movement because it is cheap and readily accessible to all, much like a spray can. Consequently, could this mean that the projector and laser wand are the new spray cans? Whilst they are becoming a part of a graffiti artist’s tools, it seems highly unlikely at the moment that they will replace a spray can. This is due to the simple fact that a graffiti artist looks to pass their message on to as many people as possible and a laser tag does not allow this. Whilst being a much larger comment than possible before, it is only there for the immeadiate moment and does not reach a large section of the population like a graffiti artist aims to.
Whilst many do consider graffiti to be a nuisance and plight on society it can also serve its own important purposes. There are very many occasions in society when a building or public space is nothing more than ugly, unadventurous, boring and un-inspiring. Graffiti and murals can do the job of covering the unsightly and unattractive. Some of this street art can cover walls and leave all who view it with colour, vibrancy, and interest. Consider any wall backing onto rail tracks. Normally this would be a boring wall that is left blank and dull. Yet with a mural on that wall, those who ride past it on the train are sure to look and take interest in something out of the normal. This piece whilst livening even the most boring of spaces can again be used to force thought and consideration of what is happening around us all, perhaps offering a different view or solution to a problem which is not available in other media or has not been suggested. This shows us that even the decorative can be political and thought provoking for all those who pass it, exactly the same as a laser tag. These political commentaries made by graphic artists are most often issues raised within society that the artist feels have an effect on us all, such as immigration or young people’s issues.
As was discussed briefly before, many graffiti artists do attempt to make these comments or tags whilst trying to evade law enforcement. Does this add to the meaning of graffiti and would graffiti still be referred to in the same way if it were permissible to make these commentaries without the fear of arrest or being charged? Basically, yes it would. Graffiti has little to do with the idea that it is illegal and is more about the notion of challenging the status quo with thought provoking graphics and phraseologies. Therefore, whilst the sheer amount of graffiti would exponentially increase to proportions never before seen, the basic ideal and belief behind it would not alter at all but instead would remain true to its design and goals.
As we have seen here, graffiti is about more than the mere thrill of attempting to deface public property, contrary to the beliefs of many. It is about making a comment or statement about society and challenging all who are exposed to it to reconsider their positions and how they see that issue. The Graffiti Research Lab has stepped up to the mark to aid graffiti in making these commentaries by making the most new and impressive technologies free to all, which has made tagging a larger and previously impossible to reach spot now within the realms and abilities of the ordinary person. Therefore, it is not a choice as to which to support – contemporary graffiti or the Graffiti Research Lab but to understand that both act hand in hand and both attempt to enhance graffiti increase its exposure and effectiveness in making a statement.
Brady.
