Art Crimes

We've all seen graffiti, scrawled across a bridge over a highway, or on the side of some dilapidated Richmond building. To some there may be no doubt that there is no art, no beauty what-so-ever in these neon eye-sores; but I personally believe there is art, and more importantly wonder, to be seen in this form of expression. Now, I’m not saying that kids who write their "street-names" beside some vulgar symbol on a building are artists. I'm more focused on the idea of graffiti that takes real time, passion and talent to create. http://www.graffiti.org/ has a wonderful collection of graffiti pictures from all around the globe, from every state in the US, to Australia, Peru, Europe, pretty much everywhere in the world. Some of these works of art span over 150 feet down city walls, taking days and days of dedication to create the final product. Some focus on particular issues of that country-for example there is a whole collection of graffiti sprayed in response to the attacks of 9-11.
(Like this one from Connecticut)

My point here is not that graffiti artists should be worshipped and have their work put in prestigious museums. I’m simply saying that these people are often adding a splash of beauty and color to their cities. I don’t think that these are “crimes” we really need to worry about; I think instead we should focus on what they have brought to the city. I drive past one graffiti mural on a regular basis, located around the corner of Main and 23rd (may be 24th, I’m not positive.) Every time I pass this two story high piece of art, I feel a sense of wonder. I am amazed at this artist’s ability to make a dull street corner beautiful, and his ability to do so with just some cans of spray paint.