DEBATE

LEXILE 510

This wall, in Queens in New

York City, was part of 5 Pointz
before the building owner
painted over the graffiti.

Is Graffiti Art?

Some people think its beautiful. Others say its a crime.

form. Just because its not on canvas,
that doesnt mean it is not art, states
Evan. Wolkoff says he respects graffiti. But
he doesnt think he did anything wrong.
He notes that people who make graffiti
paint over others work all the time.
Other people say that graffiti is not art.
Violent gangs use graffiti to mark their
territory. And most graffiti is done without
permission. Its illegal. It hurts the value of
peoples property. And its costly to remove.

Read Both Sides of the Debate and Decide.

Yes

Graffiti is art. Heres why:

People who make graffiti are expressing

themselves, just like other painters.

Just like classic art, some graffiti makes

viewers feel strong emotions.

Famous graffiti artwork attracts tourists

to cities just as big museums do.

18

Scholastic Action | February 3, 2014

No

Vote!
Click Here!

Graffiti is not art. Heres why:

People who paint graffiti without

permission are harming others property.

Some gangs use graffiti to mark their

territory or to threaten other gangs.

Graffiti is expensive, difficult, and

time-consuming to remove.

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

There is a group of empty buildings in

New York City called 5 Pointz. It was once
a swirl of color. People went there for years
to spray paint graffiti on the walls. Jerry
Wolkoff owns the buildings. He allowed the
graffiti. In November, he decided to paint
over it. He plans to tear down the buildings.
I could not believe it, says Evan Grey,
14. Why would anyone destroy so much
art? Evan often painted at 5 Pointz.
Many people say that graffiti is an art