What is this? by ankers70

What is this?

The day before yesterday, I posted a photo of street art in St Kilda and I commented on the difference between street art and graffiti. This photo, to me, illustrates the difference. Here an interesting piece of street art by Fintan Magee has been painted over with graffiti and around the corner of the building by tagging. I particularly dislike tagging, which to my mind is just random spray painting in some kind of narcissistic expression.

I quite like good street art which is more usually images done with permission and is often commissioned to enhance particular spaces or streetscapes. Graffiti is often more about lettering, and can be invasive and damaging of other people's property as well as visually intrusive and often an expression of urban grunge.

I'm interested in what others think?


Such a shame that the wonderful street art of Fintan Magee has been ruined by graffiti and tagging.

I am a big fan of street art and we have some lovely artworks in Newcastle. Luckily none of it seems to get ruined by taggers.

Here is a link to a work by Magee in Newcastle taken early this year.
http://365project.org/onewing/365/2021-01-05
October 29th, 2021  
Thanks for reminding me that I forgot to acknowledge the artist in my discussion of graffiti v street art. I have now edited. THanks for the link!@onewing
October 29th, 2021  
Neat street art!
October 30th, 2021  
Street art is fine. On the other hand, one day I'll get my hands on a graffiti vandal. At my age, a life sentence wouldn't have much impact on me
October 30th, 2021  
Street art is done with thought and consideration. Graffiti to me is total disrespect with little in the way of skill or talent just vandalism.
October 30th, 2021  
I totally agree with your opinion. Here the graffiti has not only ruined a street art, but the whole look of the building.
October 30th, 2021  
We've just had a graffiti visit where I live. Grrr! @terryliv
October 30th, 2021  
Thanks for your visit! @radiogirl
October 30th, 2021  
I agree. During lockdown with a curfew, graffiti has increased incredibly. @wakelys
October 30th, 2021  
I was really disappointed to find that a piece of street art I liked had been vandalised. @borof
October 30th, 2021  
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