Graffiti As An Art Form: Development And Key Artists

Graffiti is a contemporary and controversial art form that is sited in public places. Unlike street art, graffiti is, in many cases, uncommissioned or painted without permission and therefore can be categorised as vandalism. Graffiti has significantly developed over the last few decades as, preceding the 1970’s, it was viewed as a rebellious, transgressive form of artistic expression used to convey displeasure with societies’ rules. However, it is now valued as an instrument for social change with the ability to unite people against prejudices, inequalities and wars. Banksy and Jason Wing are two artists who explore graffiti as a means to communicate their personal, political and social views. Through their many works they have challenged societal perceptions and developed graffiti as an art form.

Banksy is a artist who has significantly elevated graffiti as an art form. Through his anonymous identity and unique style, Banksy highlights its creative and cultural merit. His incorporation of objects in situ and his surroundings adds a three dimensional element and creates a sense of realism in his art. His work “Love is in the Bin”, originally “Girl with the Balloon” is a famous self-destructed artwork that shredded succeeding its sale at Sotheby’s auction house for $1.4 million in 2018. Complementing the shredding, Banksy published a video depicting the creation and mechanical elements of the golden frame he made in 2006 that housed the shredder. His incorporation of Picasso’s quote in the video “The urge to destroy is also a creative urge” questions traditional art and its presentation and conservation. The recurring motif of the golden frame draws attention to the elitism of galleries and the gross power imbalances apparent in society. Through the juxtaposition of his minimalist, street art style with the elaborate, opulent-looking frame, a complex image is presented, challenging societal perceptions. Aside from Banksy’s stunt, the image itself encapsulates significant meaning. This is depicted in the original version of his work, painted as a mural in 2002, which was an identical image with additional text reading “there is always hope”. Through the contrast of the girl in black and white, conveying fragility and innocence with the red balloon evoking a sense of hope, political and social issues in the global community are accentuated. This significantly contributes to the value of graffiti as a form of artistic expression as it epitomises the influence it has in modern society.

Jason Wing has similarly contributed to the development of graffiti through his many works that explore his bi-cultural upbringing and his Chinese, Aboriginal and European heritage. Through his experimentation with multiple media including installation, photomedia and painting, Wing is able to create powerful works that investigate the adversities his multicultural community face. This is displayed in his installation, “In Between Two Worlds” (2011), comprising murals on the walls and ground in accompaniment to 30 spirit figures, illuminated in vibrant hues of blue and suspended in the air. As stated by Wing, “I wanted to create an experience like walking in between two worlds or travelling between heaven and earth.” Through the incorporation of symbolism of the elements, water, wind, fire and earth, a unique perspective of the connections of different cultures is depicted. Wing reflects on ancestors through the half spirit, half human figures and clouds, evoking cultural connections and engaging his audience. Through the digital element in the work, a contemporary aesthetic is created, demonstrating the evolution of individual cultures, particularly the Asian communities located in Chinatown, Sydney. Through Wing’s public installation “In Between Two Worlds”, the audience is engaged in a multicultural realm encouraging a sense of acceptance and embracing the concept of cultural integration.

It can thus be delineated that graffiti has significantly developed from a transgressive form of artistic expression to a highly valued creative means for social change. Banksy and Jason Wing are two artists who have significantly contributed to the progression of graffiti art in contemporary society. Through the incorporation of their environment, relevant motifs and personal perspective, they are able to create artworks commenting on social and political issues around the globe. Hence, it is exemplified that through the development of graffiti as an art form, a powerful tool for self expression has evolved and an influential medium for social change has transcended.