1987: GRAFFITI - Is It ART, CRIME... or Both? | Daytime Live | Classic TV Debate | BBC Archive

Summary

This transcript explores the debate between graffiti as an art form and its classification as vandalism. The conversation features Goldie, a graffiti artist, who defends his work as artistic expression, arguing that society unfairly labels it as criminal damage. He contrasts his detailed, creative pieces with simple 'tagging.' Authorities, including police and council members, argue that graffiti in public and private spaces is a nuisance, threatening public safety, and defaces property. The discussion delves into the cultural, legal, and societal perspectives on graffiti, highlighting the tension between creativity and regulation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Graffiti is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in urban areas, particularly in Britain, with the London Underground spending £750,000 annually to clean it up.
• 😀 Graffiti is often debated: Is it vandalism or art? Some, like Goldie, argue that it is a form of artistic expression rather than simple vandalism.
• 😀 Goldie differentiates between 'tagging' (quick, name-based graffiti) and more complex, meaningful artistic works, claiming that his work is art with a message.
• 😀 Graffiti artists like Goldie use aerosol cans as their primary medium for creating artwork in public and urban spaces.
• 😀 Goldie argues that graffiti should be seen as an artistic right, akin to murals painted by artists hundreds of years ago, rather than as vandalism.
• 😀 Law enforcement views graffiti as criminal damage. Police officers, like Superintendent Richard Fowler, assert that graffiti in public or private spaces without permission is vandalism.
• 😀 The public's perception of graffiti varies, with many seeing it as threatening or unsightly, especially in areas like pedestrian subways.
• 😀 Council cleaning departments are often tasked with removing graffiti from public spaces, with some seeing it as an ongoing, never-ending job similar to cleaning the Fourth Bridge.
• 😀 Graffiti, especially simple tagging, can make people feel unsafe, leading to complaints and the avoidance of certain public spaces, such as buses and subways.
• 😀 Goldie believes that the issue of graffiti could be better addressed by understanding why people, especially youths, engage in it, rather than solely focusing on punishment and removal.
• 😀 The debate on graffiti involves a generational and cultural divide: while some view it as a form of urban art, others see it as an imposition on public spaces and private property.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video regarding graffiti?

The video discusses the growing issue of graffiti in Britain, particularly its impact on public spaces and the costs associated with cleaning it up. The debate centers on whether graffiti is considered vandalism or art.

How much does graffiti cleaning cost the London Underground annually?

The London Underground spends 750,000 pounds every year on cleaning graffiti from its premises.

What is the difference between tagging and the kind of graffiti art Goldie creates?

Tagging involves quickly writing one's name or signature on public property, while Goldie creates more complex and artistic pieces with messages, such as love, often using aerosol cans.

How does Goldie justify creating graffiti despite its illegal nature?

Goldie argues that graffiti is a form of artistic expression and compares it to historical murals painted by artists in public spaces without restriction. He believes that society's laws against graffiti are based on current social hierarchies rather than artistic merit.

What does the police superintendent, Richard Fowler, think about graffiti in public spaces?

Richard Fowler views graffiti in public spaces as criminal damage. He acknowledges the artistic talent behind some works but maintains that it is illegal and unacceptable when done without permission in public or private spaces.

How does Goldie respond to the idea of graffiti being considered vandalism?

Goldie disagrees with the label of vandalism for his work, emphasizing that his graffiti is artistic and not intended to deface property. He believes that people in his urban community do not view his work as criminal.

What is the public's typical reaction to graffiti, as mentioned by Jeremy Shields from the cleaning department?

Jeremy Shields explains that the public often feels threatened by graffiti, especially in pedestrian subways, and may avoid areas where graffiti is prevalent. The general perception is that graffiti contributes to an unsafe or unwelcoming environment.

What does Goldie say about the public's reaction to graffiti in his own urban environment?

Goldie suggests that in his urban community, graffiti is not seen as threatening, and people do not mind his work. He believes that his art is appreciated locally and that it's not perceived as a problem unless it's on public property or in places like the High Street.

What does Goldie propose as a potential solution to the issue of graffiti?

Goldie suggests that providing alternatives, such as offering designated spaces for graffiti artists, would reduce the problem. He believes that without such alternatives, the issue will persist and potentially worsen over time.

What is the key difference between the way graffiti is handled in New York versus the UK, according to Goldie?

Goldie contrasts the UK's approach to graffiti with that of New York, where authorities handle graffiti in a more organized way. He suggests that the UK's method of harassing graffiti artists has not been effective, and a more understanding approach could prevent the issue from escalating.