Graffiti art and street art have been a form of expression for many individuals, often seen as a way to express their opinions, feelings, and beliefs in public spaces. However, the legality of this form of art has always been a topic of discussion. While some consider graffiti art and street art as vandalism, others consider it as a form of public art. Law plays a crucial role in regulating and managing graffiti art and street art. This essay explores the various legal issues surrounding graffiti art and street art and how the law has influenced its development. Graffiti art and street art have a long history of being associated with vandalism. Many jurisdictions across the world have criminalized the act of graffiti and street art. These laws make it illegal to deface public or private property without the owner's permission. Individuals caught in the act of graffiti or street art can face criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment. In some jurisdictions, graffiti and street art have been criminalized under specific laws, such as the Graffiti Prevention Act in the United States or the Criminal Damage Act in the United Kingdom. These laws not only prohibit the act of graffiti or street art but also allow authorities to remove the artwork and hold the artist accountable for the cost of removal. Despite the criminalization of graffiti and street art, many individuals continue to create artwork in public spaces. Some argue that this form of art is a way to express their creativity, bring color to otherwise dull and monotonous urban landscapes, and make a political statement. Supporters of graffiti and street art argue that it is a form of art that should be recognized and celebrated. In recent years, some cities have taken steps to promote graffiti and street art. Cities like New York, Melbourne, and Berlin have designated specific areas where graffiti and street art are allowed. These areas are known as legal graffiti walls or street art zones. These zones allow artists to create their artwork without the fear of facing criminal charges. Additionally, some jurisdictions have recognized graffiti and street art as a form of public art. In these jurisdictions, graffiti and street art are protected by law, and artists are given permission to create artwork on public property. Some cities have even gone as far as commissioning graffiti and street artists to create artwork in public spaces. However, the legality of graffiti and street art remains a contentious issue. While some individuals believe that graffiti and street art should be protected under the law, others believe that it is an act of vandalism that should be punished. In conclusion, law plays a critical role in regulating and managing graffiti art and street art. While some jurisdictions have criminalized the act of graffiti and street art, others have recognized it as a form of public art. The debate over the legality of graffiti and street art is likely to continue as individuals continue to express themselves through this form of art. Ultimately, the challenge will be to find a balance between protecting public and private property and allowing individuals to express themselves creatively.
Law
Sechor Fuck The Law Mixed Media Painting by Sechor
Fuck The Law Original One of a Kind Mixed-Media Spray Paint Painting Artwork on Canvas by Popular Street Graffiti Artist Sechor. 2021 Signed Mix Media on 16x20 on Unstretched Canvas
$489.00
Shepard Fairey- OBEY The High Cost Of Free Speech Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY
The High Cost Of Free Speech Limited Edition 2-Color Hand-Pulled Silkscreen Print on Speckled Cream Paper by Shepard Fairey Graffiti Street Artist Modern Pop Art. Punk rock ignited a lot of creative and philosophical things for me, and punk principles continuously remind me that speaking truth to power and questioning authority is paramount in life. The Dead Kennedys, The Clash, Black Flag, and the Circle Jerks are just a few of the groups that referenced injustices such as police brutality and abuse of power in their songs, inspiring me to speak out about the same subjects through my art. I have made a lot of lasting friendships through punk rock and its cultural offshoots. One of those friends is Sean Bonner, who began ordering my prints in the ’90s while he was art director for punk label Victory Records.
$421.00
Shepard Fairey- OBEY Wetland Powers Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY
Wetland Powers Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Hand-Pulled on Cream Speckletone Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Artwork Obey Pop Culture Artist. 2023 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 550 Artwork Size 18x24 Silkscreen Print "This Wetland Powers print examines the repercussions of a Supreme Court largely in the pockets of big oil. The government is supposed to create the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Still, the conservative justices in the current Supreme Court have put the agendas of big oil and wealthy property owners ahead of safe and clean water for the citizenry. The concept of "common assets"… no one owns resources like air and water and needs to be protected for the benefit of all, seems lost on many people in business and government. It is up to us as voters to elect representatives who put the needs of the citizens first. The Supreme Court makeup is always important to consider when voting for our president since the sitting president selects appointees for Supreme Court justices." -Shepard Fairey- OBEY Shepard Fairey's "Wetland Powers": A Statement in Street Pop Art In street pop art, Shepard Fairey stands as a figure of monumental influence; his work is often intertwined with solid socio-political messages. The "Wetland Powers" silkscreen print by Shepard Fairey, also known as OBEY, is a striking example of his commitment to merging art with activism. Released in 2023, this limited edition piece, hand-pulled on cream speckletone fine art paper, is more than a visually arresting image; it's a conduit for a critical conversation about environmental justice and governance. Dissecting "Wetland Powers" by Shepard Fairey The artwork, sized at 18x24 inches, is part of a limited edition of 550 signed and numbered prints. In typical Fairey fashion, the piece combines a bold aesthetic with a message that challenges viewers to consider the impact of political decisions on the environment. The imagery features a female figure with elements that suggest a connection to nature and its defense. Fairey's work is known for its layered visual language; every element serves a symbolic purpose, and "Wetland Powers" is no exception. Environmental Advocacy through Art In "Wetland Powers," Fairey addresses the contentious issue of land rights versus environmental protection, particularly highlighting the Supreme Court's role in shaping the fate of U.S. wetlands. The print serves as a commentary on the court's decisions that Fairey perceives as favoring corporate interests over public environmental health. Through this piece, Fairey expresses his belief in safeguarding common assets — air, water, and land — for the collective good. The Cultural Resonance of Fairey's Work Shepard Fairey's art has always resonated with a broad audience, and his Obey campaign has become a cultural phenomenon. With "Wetland Powers," Fairey continues to tap into the collective consciousness, using his art as a platform to advocate for ecological and social responsibility. The work underscores the power of street pop art to transcend the canvas and become a vehicle for change, urging citizens to reflect on their role as voters and to elect leaders who prioritize the welfare of all. "Wetland Powers" is a testament to Shepard Fairey's enduring role as an artist at the forefront of street pop and graffiti artwork. His ability to address pressing global issues through compelling imagery cements his status as an artist dedicated to the intersection of art and advocacy. As a limited edition print, "Wetland Powers" represents Fairey's artistic prowess and embodies the spirit of street art as a form of engaged public discourse.
$432.00
Roger Gastman Anti-Graffiti Propaganda Case Study No.1 Archival Print by Roger Gastman
Anti-Graffiti Propaganda Case Study No.1 Limited Edition Archival Pigment Prints on 310gsm Fine Art Paper by Roger Gastman Graffiti Street Artist Modern Pop Art. "This piece continues within the Tools of Criminal Mischief series of spray paint cans and markers prints that I've been doing with 1xRun. I have a large collection of anti-graffiti paraphernalia: pamphlets, signs, pins, tee shirts, etc. This image was revisited and fine-tuned in 2013 but it's taken years and years of collecting and digging along with close friends sending me stuff. I am always on the hunt for more. A few years ago, Caleb Neelon and I wrote a book for Harper Collins, "The History of American Graffiti" and the endsheet patterns for that book were a collage of the items on this print. Whenever I give someone the book or they see it somewhere, they love the end sheet patterns and want to know more about it and how I got all of the items. I decided to open the files back up and add some color and re-envision the design to create a collage of the anti-graffiti propaganda. " - Roger Gastman
$250.00
Robert Bruno A Lawyer you can TRust AP Giclee Print by Robert Bruno
A Lawyer you can TRust Limited Edition Giclee Print on Fine Art Paper by Robert Bruno counter-culture street artist art. AP Artist Proof. A satirical tribute to Saul Goodman and 'Better Call Saul' the Breaking Bad spinoff TV show. Limited Edition Fine Art Giclee Print AP Edition of 25 9' in. x 12' in. Signed & Numbered
$99.00
Cleon Peterson Justice Serigraph Print by Cleon Peterson
Justice Limited Edition Hand Pulled 2-Color Serigraph Printed With Marinoni Machines on White BFK Rives 270 Gram Paper by Cleon Peterson Graffiti Street Artist Modern Pop Art. TITLE: JUSTICE DATE: December 2015 DIMENSIONS: 77,5 x 107,5 cm // 30,5 x 42,3 in approx TECHNIQUE: 2 colors lithograph printed with Marinoni machines PAPER: white BFK Rives – 270 grams Numbered /99 on the left side corner Signed on the right side corner (lead) by the artist The art of Peterson has a strong anti-establishment character and anger, as a creative force, is present throughout most of his artworks. The subject of anger is the artist and with his work, he is turning against society’s deepest weariness and malaise. What’s alarming for Peterson in our world is not the poverty, injustice, and cruelty by themselves, but the lack of reaction to them.
$3,135.00