Definition of Graffiti

Graffiti- writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illegally on a wall or other surface in a public place.

Graffiti art-

Graffiti crime-

Vandalism- Action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property.

Art-

Threat-

Society-

EPQ Presentations From Last Year's Students

Today I attended
law-lawyers affecting result of courtcase-talked to policeman to understand law
graffit- is graffiti art or crime?- artefact-gathered surveys on opinions
independent learner and arrange resources and research I gather

Queries

There are many matters that I want to discuss within my project, for and against the argument of graffiti crime. I will later narrow down to questions and sub-questions but I want to record now what I want to put in the context-

• Is graffiti a crime?
• Is it vandalism?
• Is it a tool of expression?
• Is it a tool of abuse and offense?
• How has it inspired people today e.g. Roy Lichtenstein?
• What positive influences has it had e.g. Banksy, fashion?
• Why is it often linked in with gangs and violent adolescents?
• Why do people choose to do graffiti?
• Should police be focusing more on other issues?
• Is it a huge political problem?
• What could also be argued to deface property e.g. posters, billboards?
• Is it used to say things people would otherwise be afraid to say?
• Does it insult political figures and discriminate?
• Can it be used as a liberator of the public.
• Is the appearance a matter of preference e.g. tattoos, art found in galleries?

These are all queries I want to cover and answer as well as I can in my essay but most of the questions are on-going and no one is ever going to agree on one answer down to their own personal preference. The world of graffiti art/graffiti crime is a controversial one.

Research- Library Books

I have started to gather research about graffiti, beginning with two books, Graffiti Brasil by Thames and Hudson, as well as Subway Art by Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant. Both of these resources are in favour of graffiti art and the reasoning behind these actions, showing the many forms that graffiti comes in. The key reasons given for people doing graffiti were to invoke humour, improve the appearance of rundown property, to show respect and to express opinions and ideas.
I am aware of the fact that most people have rather strong opinions on graffiti, whether it be for or against. This means the majority of research that I come across shall be biased to some extent, meaning it may be unreliable. I will therefore analyse each resource I use and pick up on the viewpoint of the author and where they stand. This might make it a good idea to gather some research of my own by talking to people who do graffiti, have had bad experiences with graffiti as well as the general public. One way might be to show people different forms of graffiti, (something quite offensive and also a Banksy) and record their reactions and opinions.

Introduction

This project is going to be on the different stages and record of progress that I make on my extended project qualification throughout the year. I am going to be focusing on the different aspects of graffiti crime and peoples various views on the definition, perception and influence of graffiti on society.