Graffiti: Art that's a crime

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Graffiti: It’s those random words scribbled on the side of a building or trash can with spray paint, or etched on a metal surface with a knife.

However, graffiti can consist of more than just the name of a gang, or random images and words full of abstracting letters and complimentary colors.

Graffiti can be political statement, an intricate drawing, a sticker, an etching or an unrecognizable mosaic. Though graffiti is a punishable crime, some argue that graffiti is an underappreciated art form.

“I believe graffiti is a valid art form that has been around since the early cave drawings and in many ways embodies a culture,” said Warren McKinney, director of Art Seen Alliance and Art Outside.

Even though there is a negative connotation when people hear the word “graffiti,” it has empowered artists and has generated public art, said McKinney.

However, law enforcement suggests otherwise.

“The increases in graffiti are a nationwide problem,” said Detective Kevin Bartles, Austin Police Department Gang Unit. “Basically anywhere you have young people who have adopted a culture of being anti-social, with no regard for others or their property, you will have graffiti.”

Participation in graffiti has expanded to include ATXgraffiti, a blog that serves as a fan site to document Austin graffiti.

“The notion that graffiti is purely a public nuisance is falling out of favor, especially with Austin's young people,” said Nick Carneiro, owner and author of ATXgraffiti. “Many are intrigued by the colorful art that shows up under bridges and in drainage tunnels.”

Concealing graffiti can have negative results when artists realize their work is worthless. Carneiro said the city should be more selective when removing graffiti.

“It's a shame when the city buffs over a beautiful mural that a writer clearly put work into,” he said. “Having the state pay to incarcerate young nonviolent artists is just bad public policy.”

There are misconceptions about graffiti, said Bartles. About 90 percent of graffiti in Austin is done by “taggers,” and is not gang related.

Bartles said taggers are gang-like in the sense that they gather for the purpose of criminal activity, however their main goal is to graffiti their crew’s name.

“A traditional street gang is more of a narcotics trafficking business,” said Bartles. Real gangs try to be inconspicuous and don’t really participate in graffiti.

“Most 'gang graffiti' is done by younger people aspiring to belong to a gang,” said Bartles.

Though graffiti is illegal, the concept of whether or not it is art is up for interpretation. While police think graffiti and tagging are not an art form, some think the two belong in different categories.

“Tagging, in my opinion, is a crime because it shows no respect for another’s property,” McKinney said. “Graffiti, however, can be done in a positive manner that does not break laws, but instead elevates the art form.”

According to Texas law, graffiti is when a person intentionally or knowingly marks, draws or paints on someone else’s property without their consent. It is a crime which ranges from a Class B misdemeanor to a first-degree felony and up to a $10,000 fine depending on location and monetary amount of loss for the owner.

Below is a video of Austin resident's and their opinion on graffiti in Austin:

A difference in opinion can depend on whether or not a person has been directly affected by the criminal act of graffiti, and the perception of these pieces of work seems to depend on location.

“Society doesn’t revere artists that do their work on the property of others without permission,” Bartles said. “Art isn’t about destroying things or forcing your tastes onto others.”

However, graffiti artists can be seen in a positive light as they slowly start to become accepted.

“Graffiti artists are becoming more accepted in traditional art forums, but there is still much more that can be done to support the artists and the culture,” said McKinney.

Bartles said another misconception about graffiti is that it is done by juveniles, rather than by adults.

Graffiti in Austin is getting worse, but people don’t realize it because the of the city’s efficiency in removing it, said Bartles.

“Graffiti is a much more involved topic than most realize, but it’s not “art” or just a “phase” kids go through,” said Bartles.

It is a crime with victims, and a crime that costs a lot of money, which could be spend on otherwise on more useful things.

Bartles advises parents who thinks their child is involved with graffiti, and claims it’s an art to take corrective action and “stop it before they go down this destructive road.”

However, others believe that graffiti is beautiful and deserves recognition.

“I have been involved in several art shows and events that involve graffiti artists and offer them an outlet to express themselves and get their art seem," said McKinney.

Perspectives on whether graffiti is a crime or an art may always differ. What do you think about graffiti in the Austin area?