CCC's Street Art Contest # 303 -Where does art really begin?

Good morning, everyone!

Welcome to another post in the Street Art community!

There’s a type of graffiti that I have to admit I’m not particularly fond of. I’m talking about tags. In my view, I don’t deny that there’s a certain mastery and skill involved in the technique used to create details—which obviously include, in addition to perspective, other elements that add greater interest to the piece.

We have the lighting, the impact (which is almost never overlooked, and in my view may even be related to a need for self-affirmation, both locally and within the local graffiti community), the colors (which obviously have to work together, playing with warmer tones and cooler tones for contrast), and the location.

Taking all these elements into account, there are some specific situations where this type of work—lettering (if that’s not the correct term, please correct me. I’d be very grateful!)—actually brings some life to the wall that was used as a canvas.

On a short walk I took near my house, just a short distance away, I passed by an electrical substation—I think that’s what it’s called—and what had been immaculately painted a little over two years ago—at the time, for the local elections—now features graffiti that has added some color to it.

But does everything count? Is everything art? What is considered art by some may not be by others. And there, there will always be a line. But we can’t dismiss a piece just because we don’t find it particularly interesting.

What actually caught my attention was the phrase on the side of that small street structure, where you can read “Techno is sexy By: Callipo.” This guy is well known in the area, and not for the best reasons. There was a time when he was simply scribbling all over every wall with disjointed phrases and completely erratic tags. Building walls, storefronts, entrances, and garage doors—and, of course, many walls at the train station. And he didn’t bring anything new or artistic to the area. Which brings me to the obvious question: “Does it all count?”

I’m going to keep believing that there’s art and there’s “trash.” Sorry for my honest opinion. Just a little while ago, in a brief exchange of messages with Heroldius, he showed me a fantastic piece he shared in this post—one that had been published before but is now completely covered up by other graffiti (original post).

I hope this mural has sparked your interest in commenting and sharing your opinion on this particular topic. In Portugal, fortunately, street art—and graffiti in particular—is becoming increasingly accepted, largely due to the excellent work that has been done, with support from local governments and private institutions.