Putting Graffiti In Its Place

This is a bridge in a Kitchener suburb. You cannot see the underside of this bridge from the road. You cannot see the graffiti art if you are simply walking by on the sidewalk.

The colourful logos and words are pretty much completely hidden from view.

That is why this is the perfect spot for graffiti artists to work their magic.

This isn’t intrusive graffiti. It isn’t rude or crude. It doesn’t disrespect anyone or anything.

This graffiti is perfectly placed so that it is unobtrusive. It isn’t an eyesore for anyone.

True, some people might like to walk down to the creek or river bed and not be bombarded with bright, unnatural colours.

But I think, graffiti art, when done well (and these pieces are done well), is actually quite nice

These pieces took time and effort. There are a variety of colours, line styles, and shading techniques used in each piece.

The artists were also respectful of each other. No one has taken more than their fair share of available wall space.

Unfortunately, there are a few tags and words of profanity to be seen on these walls. I can tell you that these were added well after the fact by people who were not artists and had no affiliation to any of these pieces. It’s a shame really.

Graffiti isn’t always bad. It gives kids a chance to be artistic. It can brighten up an area. And when done in places such as these, it really doesn’t hurt or inconvenience anyone.

Let’s open up more of our city spaces and suburb spots like this to talented artists and finally put graffiti in its place. A place where it can be viewed, shared, admired, and practised safely.

More Graffiti Art


4 responses to “Putting Graffiti In Its Place”

  1. Hi Chase .. well done on finishing .. and graffiti art well done is exceptional .. and very clever.

    It's just a pity that others have to destroy so much in life .. like spoiling these works, or smashing things up ..

    Respect would help .. though I have only recently realised how clever some of these art pieces are ..

    Cheers Hilary

  2. Hi Hilary,

    Thanks! It feels really good to have completed a novel in one month.

    Graffiti is an art and not a lot of people see it that way. I think it deserves more respect than it gets.

  3. Hi Chase. I have been reporting graffiti in KW for over a year now. It was getting conspicuously bad in my neighbourhood and I decided to be more pro-active. I have learned that yes, there are definitely talented "witers" out there, but unfortunatley they seem to be the minority and the kids that scrawl on anything need to be taught a lesson. I dont mind well created "art" in "underground" places and would condone open public spaces for artists to show their talents. Pity it seems like a celebrity contest for most and it IS mostly trash.

  4. Hi Mr. Mann,

    Thanks for the comment. I know that there is a lot of inappropriate graffiti out there and I have actually gone to clean up some of it at my local skatepark.

    I appreciate the art but like you, hate the messy scribbles and would like to see those cleaned up.