Graffiti has been a nuisance to the Coastal Bend Community for the obvious damage it does to property and though a number of vandals, known as “taggers,” have been convicted and received serious sentences lately, but the numbers of “taggers” and is increasing.
According to statistics, the Graffiti Removal Team removed graffiti at 2,584 locations in 2009, totaling 158,338 square feet, an increase from 2008 of 882 locations and over 12,500 square feet.
From the get-go, statistics of graffiti springing from environments of poverty and depravation dismisses a positive perspective on the idea of alluring artistic interest within a potentially successful group of out casted individuals.
“As far as bringing it up to an art form as opposed to is being some sort of taboo,
I think getting the kids involved more into the art form rather than vandalism can be really good because it stimulates creativity,” says Del Mar art student Angela Schwengler.
It seems that an artistic reputation is only to be obtained through means of formal art education due to its legitimized application to bettering our society.
Argumentatively, being that Corpus has natural efforts to strive for a more productive and presentable community, graffiti can very well serve as a tourist attraction to achieve a more economically active stance.
“There is a –graffiti- voice there, and there is a market for that voice!” said Coastal Bend Artist Coordinator Laurette Escobar.
Escobar agrees that, “if we give these kids an outlet, something to do, they can be doing much more than running around tagging things.”
Through means of legal expression, of course, “vandals” could be motivated to pursue the more legitimized path of graffiti. Persisting against making art of your own should never be the basis of any reform.
Because aliases are most fundamental amongst graffiti artists, concentrating on diluting its purpose to gain fame should the target of modifications to reduce the vandalism in Corpus Christi. Being able to influence a more positive message to have on display should be what the art removal movement revolves around.
Regardless, manifesting the enthusiasm of a the always rebellious youth seems to be overlooked due to fear of coming off as encouraging vandalism.
Authorities agree that “it’s a very serious offense, we don’t think there is any rehabilitation for them. We have to go with the most serious punishment available,” according to District Attorney Carlos Valdez.
A voice is needed to share the idea that graffiti is more than claiming public space. Just as important, it meant to be seen as simply rebelling the monologue of old fashioned media and played out rituals of exposing art in general.
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