I believe graffiti as an art should be considered a form of therapy. The art of graffiti is prominent in society, especially in the streets where low-class people live. Artists mainly use graffiti to express their emotional feelings and represent real-life experiences through the art. Many people in the community can relate to graffiti since it represents real-life events and experiences. The art of graffiti shows emotions that can help individuals express their emotions better. People with mental and emotional issues can relate to the art visually and develop a better understanding of life (Hinz, 2017). The art of graffiti has also helped people who are not able to express themselves verbally find alternative ways to express their feelings. I have once engaged with the graffiti artists and they feel the art should be appreciated and supported more in the community.
According to the psychological perspective when reviewing the art of graffiti, it has helped relieve stress, and tension and brings joy to the people in the community (Fish, 2019). Studies have shown that people with mental and physical challenges relate better to visual signs as compared to other forms of expressions (Hinz, 2017). Patients for example can heal emotionally and find stability from the graffiti arts in hospitals. The dumb and the lame can understand their rights and challenges through graffiti arts advocating for their rights. Although society has not fully appreciated graffiti art, it is important to address critical issues about the art. The graffiti artists should be summoned and appreciated or supported by finding job opportunities for them. The artists should be educated about illegal graffiti which involves drawing art at people’s residents without their authority. It is important to appreciate graffiti since through the art the community can understand human emotions and their cultural background. I, therefore, believe graffiti as an art should be considered a form of therapy in the community.
I agree with Joseph’s post about the anthropological perspective on graffiti. The art of graffiti was indeed discovered in ancient times. Graffiti art was used by the ancient people to express their emotions about social life experiences and also to appreciate their cultural background. The ancient people loved arts, especially graffiti which represented their culture and human behavior. Today the art of graffiti has been modernized to more sophisticated forms that express various feelings and events. Several people have been able to connect to the art of graffiti because of its simplicity, uniqueness, and beauty. Graffiti should therefore be appreciated as it was practiced in ancient times.
I agree with Gabrielle’s post about the psychological perspective on the art of graffiti in society. It is true the low-class people in the community always feel discriminated against and mostly express their feelings through graffiti. Through the art, the low-class people can express their feelings about corruption and poverty in the community. Graffiti has proved to be a peaceful way for low-class people to express themselves without vandalism and harming each other. Graffiti has also promoted self-awareness in the community and created job opportunities for individuals with talent in the art. Graffiti should therefore be considered an art of therapy.
References
Fish, B. J. (2019). Response art in art therapy: Historical and contemporary overview. Art Therapy, 36(3), 122-132.
Hinz, L. D. (2017). The ethics of art therapy: Promoting creativity as a force for positive change. Art Therapy, 34(3), 142-145.