I happened to get off of the beaten track a bit in a very poor rundown area of this small city, when I came upon this image. My first impression was this graffiti is a big part of the problem. Then looking around at the deserted building and trash in the streets I realized this was the only uplifting image here. This is truly art in this case, what do you think?

[daacon]

Art defintley - I'll bet someonen commissioned it at some point. Wow it's very detailed nice shot Bob.

[slowpez]

I agree Bob; definitely art. Sometimes graffiti artists add the only beauty to certain areas.

[eaglem]

Although it's a little too busy it would still be classified as Art!

[Bob Harris]

Although it's a little too busy it would still be classified as Art!

EM, as long as there is more spray paint, it is never too busy for some neighborhood, thanks Bob

[Sailor]

It's ART - that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Jer (famous art critic)

[KarenH]

I think it's art too.
My eyes get a bit tired when I look at it too long, but it's very interesting.

[Scottnorwo]

Art for me. anything that can lift the spirits

[Bob Harris]

Art for me. anything that can lift the spirits

Scott, that is a great way to think about viewing the art world, thanks Bob

[ajoe]

Well, it took an artist to make it, so I guess it is art.

[MRRiley]

Graffiti like this rises to the level of art, though most does not.

One thing I have to wonder... Where do these generally poor kids get all of the spray paint? You and I both know they don't buy it.

Mike

[ajoe]

Graffiti like this rises to the level of art, though most does not.

One thing I have to wonder... Where do these generally poor kids get all of the spray paint? You and I both know they don't buy it.

Mike

So, are you saying that all Graffiti is done by poor kids who are thieves?

[Bob Harris]

It's ART - that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Jer (famous art critic)

Well, since you are famous, we have to conclude it is ...ART

[McMark27]

I would call it art!

[Coeurdechene]

So, are you saying that all Graffiti is done by poor kids who are thieves?

Thieves,vandals,and....insanely talented

I paint and it's not cheap..but it's a lot cheaper than photography..
Anyone really interested can buy the cans. (they usually buy the cans..or at least all the ones i know..and i know a fair number of people who paint...).

Graffiti like this rises to the level of art, though most does not.

That kind of graffiti is made by experienced people...who gained their experience painting pieces that don't get the "art" status..sooo you can't have the one without the other.
And finally i think it's a lot better to see a colorfull city where people can express and draw than a boring "clean" one....
(I would like a city as the russian futurists imagined)

P.D.:Only thing i hate is when some potentially good painters get stuck in the narcisistic competition about "owning" and "marking" spaces..reminds me too much of dogs pissing in every wall and corner they see..