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Colored Skies, Colored Alleys

Ghazal Suleiman

Department of English, American University of Sharjah

ENG 204

Prof. Sana Sayed

22 March 2023
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Colored Skies, Colored Alleys

Introduction

As optical consciousness strengthens, some people decide to execute and test their

creativity. Taking a new meaning of its own and having a different impact on audiences, graffiti

art provides artists with connectivity to the whole world. With this in mind, graffiti art, an

emerging art form, is not vandalism; moreover, its benefits outweigh its limitations. Graffiti art is

a visual conversation between the artist and the viewer. As a writer uses words to convey a

message, graffiti artists use images and colors to express their thoughts and feelings.

Moreover, just as a good conversation can leave a lasting impression, a powerful graffiti

piece can remain in people’s minds long after they see it. It is considered art and not vandalism

because it allows artists to express themselves freely, gives the city its character, and helps

represent social, political, and personal themes. Graffiti art has a rich and complex history that

spans thousands of years, but modern graffiti began in the 1960s and 1970s in New York City.

Since then, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, with talented artists around the world

pushing the boundaries of what is possible. While many talented artists work today, the identity

of the leading graffiti artist is constantly evolving and contested.

Additionally, social media has had a significant impact on graffiti art, both as a tool for

promoting and sharing work and as a way for artists to connect and collaborate on projects. As

this type of art continues to evolve and grow, it will be fascinating to see how social media and

other technological advances shape its future. Street art, tagging, spray paint, vandalism, and

artistic expression are some keywords that will be used to get a broader understanding of the

topic. It is a form of self-expression that has evolved from its roots as a subculture to become a
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legitimate form of art. Graffiti is a type of art and not vandalism because of its unique and

evolving techniques, its political influence, and the way it reveals insights about a city’s soul.

Background History

Graffiti art has a long and rich history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations,

where people used symbols and images to communicate with each other. Indeed, Jordan Riefe

(2018) wrote about it in The Observer in his analysis of Graffiti “While today what we call 'street

art' takes the form of building-sized murals and wheat-paste posters on overpasses, it began in

the mid-sixties in New York and Philadelphia as plain old graffiti: stylized signatures on

subways and walls". This was initially seen as a form of rebellion and resistance to city

authorities and social norms in general. In the early 2000s, graffiti art began to gain more

acceptance. As Abdul Rashid (2021) mentioned, "Far from being a nuisance, the mushrooming

of graffiti art across the country has somewhat lent it a more pedestrian vibe."

Galleries and museums began to showcase the work of graffiti artists, and public art

initiatives started to invite graffiti artists to create installations in public spaces. This led to a

broader recognition of graffiti art as a legitimate art form. Today, graffiti art is a global

phenomenon that can be found in cities all over the world. It continues to evolve and adapt to

new contexts and audiences, and it remains an essential method of self-expression and creativity

for many people. While graffiti art still faces many challenges, including legal issues and societal

perceptions, its long and rich history demonstrates the enduring power of this art form to inspire

and provoke us.

Darryl McCray, Banksy, and the Different Techniques

Darryl McCray, better known by his graffiti name "Cornbread," is widely recognized as

one of the pioneers of modern graffiti art. Born in Philadelphia in 1953, McCray began his
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graffiti career in the late 1960s, tagging his nickname "Cornbread" on walls, buildings, and trains

throughout the city. The name "Cornbread" came from his time serving in jail, where he

complained to the cafeteria cook that the traditional quick-bread they served was dry. The cook

yelled for him to leave the kitchen, but McCray repeatedly returned, asking for fresh cornbread.

Finally, fed up, the cook grabbed him by the shirt and dragged him out of the kitchen (Brown,

2022); ironically, the name became a daily headline. McCray is credited with popularizing

graffiti art as a self-expression and creative outlet for urban youth. One of McCray's most

famous works is a giant "Cornbread loves Cynthia" tag on the side of an elephant in the

Philadelphia Zoo, which he created in 1971. This tag helped to bring McCray and graffiti art to

national attention. McCray's contributions to graffiti art include popularizing large, colorful tags

and developing a unique, recognizable style incorporating elements of calligraphy and other

lettering styles. In addition, he was known for his generosity and willingness to share his

knowledge and expertise with others, helping to create a new generation of graffiti artists who

would go on to make their contributions to the art form. In Ruben Palma’s (2023) article about

Cornbread and his legacy, he stated "Cornbread's impact on the cultural landscape of graffiti is

significant, as he helped to turn an often-maligned form of expression into a legitimate art form

that continues to inspire and influence artists around the world."

Banksy is one of the most well-known and influential graffiti artists ever. As Sophie

Prideaux (2021) stated in The National "While his anonymity of course adds an element of

intrigue to his work, ultimately, it acts as a layer of protection for the artist, as in many places his

work is classified as criminal damage,". Thus, it is clear his work has profoundly impacted the

world of graffiti art and contemporary art in general. Banksy began his graffiti career in the

1990s in Bristol, England, where he showed his skills and developed a unique style characterized
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by humorous, political, and thought-provoking imagery. Banksy's work often features stenciled

images of animals, political figures, and pop culture icons, often with a subversive or satirical

twist. His political views are anti-capitalist, anti-religion, and anti-war, and that can be traced

back into his work. For example, in the case of Ukraine and the recent war and illegal invasion,

Banksy’s artwork filled the streets of Kyiv, with imagery condemning the effects that the war

had on civilian lives. Furthermore, one of Banksy's most famous works is a mural of a girl with a

red balloon, which has been replicated in countless forms and has become an iconic image of

modern street art. Banksy's work is also known for its location and context, with many of his

pieces appearing in unexpected places or commenting on specific social or political issues.

Banksy's contributions to graffiti art are numerous and significant. He helped to bring graffiti art

into the mainstream, making it more accessible and popular than ever before. His work has also

inspired countless other artists, both within and outside the graffiti community, to push the

boundaries of what is possible in art and use their work as a means of social commentary and

political activism. Most importantly, Banksy's work has helped legitimize graffiti art as a serious

and crucial contemporary art form. His success and influence have paved the way for other

graffiti artists to gain recognition and acceptance within the art world and have helped elevate

street art's profile in general.

Graffiti is a diverse and constantly evolving art form encompassing various styles and

techniques. Some of the most common types of graffiti include “tags”, which are simple

signatures or nicknames, and “throw-ups”, which are larger and more complex. There are also

highly elaborate and detailed works of graffiti art called “Pieces”, as well as “stencils”, which

involve cutting out a design and using spray paint to create a pattern or image. Finally, there is

“wild-style”, which is a highly stylized form of graffiti that incorporates complex, interlocking
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letters and shapes, and murals. Graffiti artists often experiment with different styles and

techniques, and new forms of graffiti are constantly emerging, making it a vibrant and dynamic

art form.

Representation of Graffiti Art

"We declare the world as our canvas." This is the motto of the Street Art Utopia project.

Graffiti art has been the touch of the human race, shaping it to be their own. It has historically

been a means for people to express their thoughts, passions, and feelings. When someone wants

to vent their displeasure, their beliefs, or even something as simple as declaring their love or

admiration for someone, they scratch something on a wall. As a result, it enables people who

might otherwise be unable to communicate their sentiments to convey what is significant to

them. In this regard, it serves as a reliable source of information about societal tendencies among

people. Graffiti also conveys a society's or a community's aesthetic sensibility. It has a strong

connection to the community's culture and offers us a good notion of the aesthetic values held by

the inhabitants of a given neighborhood, town, city, or region. Street art impacts communities

and provides a transformation that raises awareness and spreads positivity. Since graffiti

emerged, it has shown the attraction it causes no matter what people think. Either vandalism or

art, people still stop and stare. With that, graffiti has been carrying indirect messages that

subconsciously affect people. Furthermore, artists contributed to society in many different ways.

For example, Jules Muck has created different artworks around Venice explaining the prevalence

of elements in the city's public art (Salim, 2019).

Moving on, graffiti has had an immense impact on political influence. It has become

increasingly prevalent around the world due to the many possibilities it offers, the innate human

desire to express oneself among people of all social and economic statuses, and the political
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strife governed by capitalism. Political graffiti help the working class deliver their ideologies

through freedom of speech. A recent example is the Egyptian revolution in 2011, as people have

used art extensively to express their political intent, spread their ideas, and rally others to their

cause (Grondahl, 2012). Similarly, being inspired by Egyptians, the Syrian revolution is believed

to have started because of graffiti drawn by children against Bashar al-Assad in Dara’a (Tarabay,

2018). The governor of Dara’a reacted to the incident by arresting and torturing over 20 children

and teenagers, which ignited mass protests that spread around Syria. As previously mentioned,

Banksy's art has been some of the most politically influential graffiti art throughout the world.

One of his most potent political messages, addressing the conflict between Israel and Palestine,

was painted on a wall in 2005 in Occupied Palestine territories’ West Bank., Flying Balloon Girl

attributed to the political issue of how innocent children were longing for their freedom. That

same wall in West Bank is filled with graffiti by international Palestinian artists protesting

against the barrier and the actions of Israel.

The Essence

Graffiti is a form of street art that provides rare insights into a city's soul. It helps

communities form an identity and interpret an entity. This vivid vibe is placed in front of the

world impossible to overlook. For tourists, graffiti art can offer a glimpse into a city's local

culture, history, and identity. Graffiti has "caused those who do it to actively explore and interact

with their city in a much more intimate way than the average citizen, and it brings individuals

from varied neighborhoods, backgrounds, races, and socioeconomic standings together through

the shared common practice" (Mitman, 2018). Often, graffiti murals illustrate local landmarks,

historical events, or cultural icons significant to the community. Sightseers can further apprehend
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a city's heritage and identity by observing these works of art. In addition to its cultural value,

graffiti art can also provide a more immersive and authentic travel experience for tourists. While

museums and galleries can offer curated and controlled environments to view art, graffiti art is

often found in unexpected places and can be experienced more spontaneously. For example,

Berlin is considered one of the most prominent tourist destinations, and that’s partly due to its

graffiti. According to Ben McBee from TravelAge West, one of the top guides for the travel

industry, Alternative Berlin Tours takes its guests through the city and ends the tour in a studio

where artists help the latter get their own graffiti souvenirs. Moreover, as part of the Berlin Wall

still stands to this day, thousands of feet of murals, including the “Fraternal Kiss” make the wall

the “longest open-air gallery on earth”. As stated by Carolyn Loeb (2014) in her article, “West

Berlin muralists produced differentiated, social, public spaces that supported people's ongoing

efforts to shape the city and their lives within it."

Seeing stunning and elaborate graffiti artwork while exploring a neighborhood can leave

visitors with lifelong memories. Graffiti paintings can be seen in various places, including shady

lanes and abandoned buildings, encouraging visitors to explore remote areas of the city. Thus, it

might encourage visitors to explore areas of a city that are less well-known and find its secret

treasures, as well as inspire a sense of neighborhood and social interaction among visitors.

Graffiti murals are frequently made by regional artists who have strong ties to the area and its

values. The city where art was deemed illegal under the Pinochet dictatorship bloomed after the

fall of the latter with the power of colorful murals and graffiti. Valpariso’s history, one filled

with chaos, provided the city with its bohemian artistic population and is now regarded by many

as the “street capital of the world”, according to Wanderlust. Tourists can also better understand

the local culture and its people by viewing and appreciating these art pieces, as well as create
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lasting friendships and gain a deeper understanding of the city's social structure by interacting

with local artists and communities. Considering everything, graffiti art can be a crucial and

beneficial tool for visitors to grasp a city's spirit better. They can enhance the travel experience

and give visitors a deeper understanding of the local culture and its people by offering a

distinctive cultural perspective, an authentic and immersive travel experience, guiding visitors to

hidden areas of the city, and fostering community engagement. As it was formally known as

bleak and depressing, the city Lodz in Poland is now famous and known for its giant-sized

murals. After the city tried to piece together following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Urban

forms, foundation created in 2009 encouraged street art and helped turn the city into a capital of

street art all around the world.

Madness behind the Beauty

Vandalism is the deliberate destruction of public and private premises. As street art has

been considered vandalism since the early 1970s, it has been considered a crime because it is

placed on property without permission. Street art, though full of pros in all aspects, still causes

damage to both the environment and businesses in several ways. Environmentally speaking,

graffiti has a role in negatively affecting the planet; due to the heavy chemicals used in its paint,

the artwork is beginning to show different forms of deterioration and chromatic changes. The

substances mentioned above "usually contain acrylic, alkyd or polyvinyl acetate resins as binders

and a solvent that allows the pigment/binder mixture to flow" (Pozo-Antonio et al., 2022).

Additionally, the cleaning substances used to remove the aerosol sprays contain just as many

toxic organic compounds as the paint.

Moving on to the business aspect, startups strive to have a positive reputation since they

have yet to get a second chance to convey the brand's image. The appearance of graffiti is
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enough to ruin the reputation of many businesses that rely on physical fronts, such as shops,

restaurants, and more, as it can reduce sales and cause a decline in property values. Not only

could graffiti ruin a business's reputation, but it also gives off an ambiguous aura. Businesses

might be seen in an unsafe neighborhood, potentially driving customers away. Since the first

thing customers and potential partners see when they visit the business site, it can sometimes

give a wrong impression about the business or threaten its appearance. Oftentimes, graffiti artists

spray offensive messages onto buildings, including swear words and taboo language. According

to Ice Cleaning, the appearance of graffiti is considered “undesirable across most parts of the

UK”. Over time, if an area gets flooded with graffiti artifacts, it becomes less popular; the latter

causes property devaluation.

However, graffiti has helped communities have their individuality and attribute to

political and social issues. Getting people together to voice their opinions on these matters and

come as one has been the main benefit of graffiti art. Furthermore, it gives cities their artistic

soul and helps tourists understand everything the city has to offer, from history to culture. As for

the business aspect, and in a business article by the Los Angeles Times, business and street art go

hand in hand during the Instagram era. Since street art is widespread across Los Angeles and

ingrained into its culture, businesses started using graffiti to attract a certain demographic.

Providing the ultimate background for Instagram shots, artwork has become a “tactic to draw

people outside-, and then, hopefully inside their stores”, according to the article. Similarly, the

several businesses in the UAE have adopted a close approach. Many industrial brands and

productions such as Adidas and Aloft have employed famous artists to decorate their buildings as

part of the branding process. Promotions and advertisements are currently being made through
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signs of commercial graffiti; likewise, party planners are using the art to “embellish and decorate

the parties and give life to the venues” (Graffiti in the UAE: the Street Art Culture Rises, 2013).

Conclusion

Graffiti art is not vandalism; instead, it is a valid form of self-expression that originated

as a subculture and has since developed into a widely regarded art form. An art with a long and

illustrious past that dates back to ancient civilizations, graffiti art is still evolving and adapting to

new environments and audiences. Darryl McCray and Banksy were among the forerunners of

contemporary graffiti art, and today, gifted artists worldwide are pushing the limits of what is

conceivable. Through graffiti art, creators are given a platform for creativity and global

connectivity, allowing them to communicate their ideas and emotions in ways that are relatable

to viewers. One with reportedly great influence, graffiti art is an essential artistic expression that

should be cherished and admired for its advantages. Since many people consider graffiti a form

of art and expression while others see it as vandalism and criminal activity, it has been a divisive

topic. Graffiti may be viewed as a means of self-expression, but it may also damage public and

private property, increasing the expense of upkeep and repairs. Due to its frequent contribution to

the perception of chaos and criminal activity in neighborhoods, graffiti can harm tourists and

nearby businesses.

Despite these drawbacks, graffiti still has a role in society and can spread vital ideas and

spur societal change. In addition to fostering a feeling of community and cultural identity when it

is used in public areas, graffiti art can give underrepresented groups a platform to share their

experiences and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. Some towns have established
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designated places for graffiti artists, known as graffiti walls, to balance allowing graffiti as a

form of expression and minimizing its harmful effects. These areas give graffiti artists a secure,

authorized stage to display their skills while limiting public and private property destruction. One

of the most famous spots is Hosier Lane in Australia, precisely in the southern part of

Melbourne. The lane has been featured in several travel guides, and is accepting and encouraging

of all kinds of street art. Another famous spot is Leake Street Tunnel, located in London,

England. With a wide range of various art, the tunnel is 300 meters long and is a very well-

known destination for both tourists and locals. As the world changes, graffiti art will change

alongside it; and it will be interesting to observe how social media and technological

advancements influence it in the future. Graffiti art ultimately functions as a visual dialogue

between the artist and the audience, leaving a deep imprint while engaging in social and political

conversations.
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References

Abdul Rashid, Z. S. (2021, April 20). Graffiti gaining mainstream acceptance. The Vibes.

https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/24125/graffiti-gaining-acceptance-within-

the-mainstream

Brown, A. (2022, October 13). Who is cornbread? 5 things to know about the first modern

graffiti artist from Philly. Moguldom.

https://moguldom.com/423989/who-is-cornbread-5-things-to-know-about-the-first-

modern-graffiti-artist-from-philly/

Gröndahl, M. (2012). Revolution graffiti: Street art of the new Egypt. American University in

Cairo Press.

Loeb, C. (2014). West Berlin walls: Public art and the right to the city. Public Art Dialogue,

4(1), 100–120.

https://doi.org/10.1080/21502552.2014.878485

Mitman, T. (2018). Conclusion: And So It Was Written. In The Art of Defiance: Graffiti, Politics

and the Reimagined City in Philadelphia (1st ed., pp. 117–124). Intellect.

https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv36xw37f.11

McBee, B. (2018, July 5). 7 top destinations for Street Art Tourism. TravelAge West.

https://www.travelagewest.com/7-Top-Destinations-for-Street-Art-Tourism
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Pozo-Antonio, J. S., Rivas, T., González, N., & Alonso-Villar, E. M. (2022). Deterioration of

graffiti spray paints applied on granite after a decade of natural environment. Science of

the Total Environment, 826, 154169.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154169

P, R. (2023). A look at the legendary graffiti artist cornbread. Overstandard.

https://overstandard.dk/a-look-at-the-legendary-graffiti-artist-cornbread/

Prideaux, S. (n.d.). Who is banksy? the top theories and how he keeps his identity a secret. The

National.

https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/art/who-is-banksy-the-top-theories-and-

how-he-keeps-his-identity-a-secret-1.1049700

Riefe, J. (2018, May 22). Street art originals cornbread, Shepard Fairey and more on graffiti's

radical change. Observer.

https://observer.com/2018/05/shepard-fairey-chris-pape-and-darryl-mccray-on-how-

graffiti-changed/

Rioch, S. (2022, February 10). Why is graffiti bad for businesses? ICE Cleaning.

https://www.icecleaning.co.uk/blog/why-is-graffiti-bad-for-businesses#:~:text=Negative

%20consequences%20for%20businesses,-The%20first%20thing&text=As%20well%20as

%20giving%20off,also%20dampen%20your%20cash%20flow
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Salim, Z. (2019). The Contours of Creativity: Public Art, Cultural Landscapes, and Urban Space

in Venice, California. Salim: The Contours of Creativity, 58, 61.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/downloads/n583xz982

Spacek, R., & Flemming, J. (2017, October 14). In the era of Instagram, businesses use street

art to attract customers. Los Angeles Times.

https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-business-of-street-art-20171013-story.html

Tarabay, J. (2018, March 15). For many Syrians, the story of the war began with graffiti in

dara'a. CNN.

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/15/middleeast/daraa-syria-seven-years-on-intl/index.html
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Meta-reflection on the Writing Process

Starting my paper was challenging because I had no prior knowledge about the topic. I was

always intrigued by graffiti and the realness it carries. The way it carries meaning in the most

interesting way has always captured my eyes. Due to my research, I got the chance to have a

deeper understanding of where it came from, how it started, and who are the leading artists

and their works. As a design student, I am interested in the concept behind every piece of art,

and as much as graffiti is figurative it is more abstract. I tried to carry that into my paper by

mentioning the impact of the graffiti artists on the art world. Gathering information about the

topic was not difficult due to its popularity. Creating the arguments and supporting them was a

bit challenging. Even though I had all the information needed, making my point with every

argument was very challenging because of the repetition of the content. Writing the

introduction and the conclusion went smoothly with no issues at all. Integrating sources into

the content was bit hard since they weren’t all quotations. Based on the peer review, I had to

make some changes such as adding my long thesis at the end of my introduction and editing

the format. Personally, I don’t like peer review and group work but in this case it was useful

and it helped me add what I missed in my paper. I expected this to be harder and more time

consuming, but it was very bearable. I learned the correct ways to find sources for my research

and to distinguish between scholarly and popular articles.

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Student Integrity Statement

I have carefully checked my paper to ensure there are no examples of any form of plagiarism. I

fully understand what these forms of plagiarism are, and I realize fully that any examples of

plagiarism will have severe consequences (including but not limited to a zero grade, an F for

the course, a formal report to administration, and/or having to write a completely new research

paper on a different topic). I further confirm that I have had ample opportunity to discuss issues

of plagiarism with my instructor and that all of my questions have been addressed. All work

submitted in this paper is my own. No other person was involved in any of the actual writing of

this paper.

Digital Signature: