Subway graffiti is a contentious form of street art that sparks heated debates about its place in urban culture. While some view it as a vibrant expression of creativity and social commentary, others see it as vandalism that damages public property. This article dives into the colorful world of subway graffiti, exploring its history, impact, and the ongoing discussion surrounding its legitimacy.
This article is aimed at those interested in urban art and cultural expression, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of subway graffiti.
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Subway graffiti emerged in the 1970s as a form of self-expression
- It’s seen as both art and vandalism, depending on who you ask
- Graffiti artists face serious legal risks and penalties
- Some cities have started to embrace graffiti as public art
- The debate over subway graffiti keeps evolving, with no clear resolution in sight
The Birth of Subway Graffiti
Picture yourself in 1970s New York City. The subway cars rumble through dark tunnels, their exteriors covered in colorful, swirling letters and characters. This was the birth of subway graffiti, a movement that would spread across the globe and change the face of urban art forever.
You might wonder, “How did it all start?” Well, it began with teenagers who wanted to make their mark on the world. Armed with spray cans and a burning desire to be seen, they turned subway cars into their canvas. For them, it wasn’t about destroying property – it was about creating something beautiful in a harsh urban landscape.
One of the pioneers of this movement was a young guy named TAKI 183. He was just a messenger who traveled all over the city, tagging his nickname and street number wherever he went. Before long, others started copying him, and a competitive culture emerged. Who could get their name up in the most places? Who could create the most eye-catching designs?
As the movement grew, so did the scale and complexity of the artwork. Simple tags evolved into elaborate “pieces” (short for masterpieces) that covered entire subway cars. Crews formed, styles developed, and a whole subculture was born.
The Tools of the Trade
To really understand subway graffiti, you need to know the tools artists use. It’s not just about grabbing a can of spray paint and going wild. There’s a whole arsenal of equipment that goes into creating those colorful masterpieces you see rolling by.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Spray paint | The main medium for creating large, colorful pieces |
| Markers | Used for smaller tags and details |
| Caps | Different nozzles for spray cans to create various effects |
| Gloves | To protect hands from paint and avoid leaving fingerprints |
| Masks | For protection against fumes and to conceal identity |
| Extinguishers | Filled with paint for covering large areas quickly |
| Rollers | Used for painting solid backgrounds |
But it’s not just about the tools – it’s how you use them. Artists spend years perfecting their techniques, learning how to control the spray, create clean lines, and blend colors. They develop their own unique styles, from wild-style lettering that’s almost impossible to read, to character-based pieces that look like they’ve jumped straight out of a comic book.
The Good, the Bad, and the Colorful
Let’s face it – subway graffiti is a touchy subject. You might love the splash of color it brings to your daily commute, or you might see it as a sign of urban decay. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros of Subway Graffiti:
- Adds vibrancy and character to urban spaces
- Provides a platform for artistic expression
- Can convey important social and political messages
- Challenges the notion of public vs. private space
- Creates a sense of local identity and culture
- Can attract tourists and boost local economies
- Offers an alternative to corporate advertising in public spaces
Cons of Subway Graffiti:
- Often considered vandalism and illegal
- Can be costly to remove or cover up
- May make public spaces feel unsafe or neglected
- Can damage historic or culturally significant structures
- Might encourage more serious criminal activity
- Can be offensive or inappropriate for public viewing
- Reduces property values in some areas
The Artist’s Perspective
Put yourself in the shoes of a graffiti artist for a moment. You’re driven by a passion to create, to leave your mark on the world. But you’re also constantly looking over your shoulder, knowing that what you’re doing could land you in serious trouble.
For many artists, the thrill of creating something beautiful in a forbidden space is part of the appeal. They see bland subway cars as a blank canvas, waiting to be transformed into rolling works of art. But it’s not just about the adrenaline rush – many graffiti artists use their work to comment on social issues or express their cultural identity.
Take LADY PINK, for example. She started painting subway trains in 1979 when she was just 15 years old. As one of the few women in the scene, she used her art to challenge gender stereotypes and address issues of inequality. Her colorful murals often featured strong female characters and themes of empowerment.
Or consider LEE Quinones, who painted entire subway cars with elaborate scenes that told stories of life in the city. His famous “Lion’s Den” piece depicted a lion breaking free from its cage, symbolizing the artist’s own desire for freedom and self-expression.
These artists risked their safety and freedom to create art that spoke to their communities. They saw themselves not as vandals, but as voices for the voiceless, bringing color and meaning to the gritty urban landscape.
The Public’s View
Now, think about how you feel when you see a graffiti-covered subway car. Are you impressed by the skill and creativity on display? Or do you feel frustrated that public property has been defaced?
Public opinion on subway graffiti is deeply divided. Some people see it as a sign of a vibrant, creative city. They argue that it adds character and life to otherwise dull urban spaces. They might point to cities like Berlin or Melbourne, where street art has become a major tourist attraction.
Others view it as a symptom of urban decay and lawlessness. They worry that graffiti makes the city feel unsafe and unkempt. They might argue that it’s disrespectful to the public and costly to clean up.
Your own opinion might depend on factors like where you live, your age, and your personal experiences with graffiti. Someone who grew up in New York during the heyday of subway graffiti might feel nostalgic about it, while a city official responsible for cleaning it up might have a very different perspective.
The Legal Landscape
Here’s where things get tricky. In most places, subway graffiti is illegal. If you’re caught in the act, you could face fines or even jail time. Cities spend millions of dollars each year cleaning up graffiti, and many have strict anti-graffiti laws.
For example, in New York City, where subway graffiti first took off, the penalties can be severe. Getting caught with spray paint or markers in or around the subway can result in fines of up to $500 and up to a year in jail. Actually painting on a subway car? That could land you with a felony charge and up to seven years in prison.
But the legal landscape is changing. Some cities have started to recognize the value of street art and have created legal spaces for graffiti. Places like 5Pointz in New York (before it was demolished) and the Wynwood Walls in Miami have shown how graffiti can be embraced as a form of public art.
In 2018, a group of graffiti artists won a landmark case against a property owner who destroyed their work at 5Pointz. The court ruled that their graffiti was protected under the Visual Artists Rights Act, setting a precedent for the legal protection of street art.
The Battle Against Graffiti
Cities and transit authorities have tried all sorts of methods to combat subway graffiti. In the 1980s, New York City launched its “Clean Car Program,” refusing to let any subway car leave the yard if it had graffiti on it. They also introduced new cleaning methods and more durable paints that made it harder for graffiti to stick.
Other cities have tried different approaches. Some use anti-graffiti coatings that make it easier to wash off paint. Others have installed better lighting and security cameras in subway yards. Some have even experimented with graffiti-resistant designs for their subway cars.
But for every new anti-graffiti measure, artists seem to find a way around it. It’s like a constant game of cat and mouse, with authorities and artists trying to outsmart each other.
The Future of Subway Graffiti
So, where do we go from here? The debate over subway graffiti isn’t going away anytime soon. But there are some interesting trends emerging:
- Legal Walls: More cities are creating designated areas where graffiti is allowed and even encouraged. These spaces give artists a chance to practice their skills and express themselves without breaking the law.
- Commissioned Works: Some transit authorities are hiring graffiti artists to create official murals on subway cars and stations. This approach recognizes the artistic value of graffiti while keeping it under control.
- Digital Graffiti: With augmented reality technology, some artists are creating virtual graffiti that can be seen through smartphones without damaging physical property. This could be a way to keep the spirit of subway graffiti alive without the legal issues.
- Preservation: Some particularly significant or historic pieces of graffiti are being preserved as cultural artifacts. The Bronx Museum, for example, has pieces of subway car graffiti in its permanent collection.
- Education Programs: Some cities are starting programs to channel young people’s interest in graffiti into legal forms of street art. These programs teach artistic skills while also educating about the legal and ethical issues surrounding graffiti.
- Graffiti Tourism: Believe it or not, some cities are starting to promote their street art scenes as tourist attractions. Guided graffiti tours are becoming popular in cities like London, Berlin, and Melbourne.
As you ride the subway and see the colorful artwork whizzing by, remember that you’re witnessing a complex and ongoing dialogue about art, property, and public space. Subway graffiti isn’t just about pretty pictures – it’s about who gets to leave their mark on the city, and who gets to decide what our shared spaces look like.
Conclusion
Whether you see it as art or vandalism, there’s no denying that subway graffiti has left an indelible mark on our urban landscapes. It’s challenged our ideas about what art can be and where it can exist. It’s given voice to marginalized communities and sparked important conversations about urban life.
So next time you see a piece of graffiti on a subway car, take a moment to really look at it. Think about the person who created it, the message they were trying to send, and the risks they took to put it there. You might not agree with their methods, but you’ve got to admire their passion and creativity.
In the end, the story of subway graffiti is the story of our cities – complex, colorful, and constantly changing. It’s a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, art finds a way to flourish.