Josh's Super-Duper Subway Adventures

Graffiti has always been part of a subculture that brings out camaraderie and creativity among its members. This art form is most definitely public art and even more so than most pieces deemed public by our readings. As the graffiti we are studying is illegal, it is not commissioned. Commissioned public art has monetary motivations and is not merely created for the public. Graffiti elicits a sense of pride in the artist, as it is created solely as an outlet for expression. This art form is socially and politically significant because of its issues with legality. It goes against the law to generate beauty.

Because graffiti is its own subculture, it is connected with its own language, each term a significant aspect of the art. Tagging is important, as it is the quantity that matters. Tagging shows that graffiti lives. It is most rebellious in its annoyance to authorities. Racking up is also important. Though stealing is generally looked down upon, it somehow seems right that the tools used to rebel against social norms are taken without paying the society that is being rebelled against. This man exhibits another form of public "rebel" art. He is homeless and it is not likely that he has a permit to perform......on buckets! He is risking arrest so that he may perform, though his motivation is probably money first and creativity second. Again, it is the fact that this is unlawful that makes it so significant.