Driving through any metropolis, one is almost guaranteed to observe an urban landscape spotted with graffiti. Columbus is no exception to the rule with its spray-painted murals and random designs. This landscape stretches from the north of campus to south of downtown and covers everywhere in between.
Commonly referred to as “tagging,” the art of graffiti has been recognized as an increasingly popular aspect of hip-hop culture for the past 20 years. This non-traditional artform has been practiced in order to convey important political and social messages, act as a creative outlet for self-expression, give character to drab walls and also to gain respect from fellow writers. With the exception of minimal designated legal walls to paint on, this is an illegal art form.
“A lot of people don’t appreciate it but other writers do because they know what the adrenaline rush feels like,” said Cleveland native and graffiti artist known as “G.” “It’s art. It makes the world look more interesting.”
G, who lives in Columbus and quit tagging public walls about a year ago because it became “too risky and not worth the consequences,” began his hobby at 13. He thinks it is too risky because he was arrested a few times back in Cleveland before the age of 18 and does not think going to jail is worth the rush anymore.
According to G, graffiti artists are respected both for style but also “who gets up,” meaning who can physically reach an awkward or very high spot and leave one’s mark, at places like a highway overpass or the top story of a building.
“Somebody can have a lot of skill but someone might get just as much respect by where they get up,” G said.
There are many opponents to the practice of graffiti, ranging from landlords, police officers and everyday citizens who feel that graffiti is vandalism and ruins the look of the city. But this immensely popular trend of abstract illustration must be recognized for it does not seem to be leaving the scene anytime soon.
