Sunday, October 3, 2010
Hip Hop, Graffiti, Art: Freedom
We have had a lot of discussion about what this subculture is all about and how graffiti relates to it, and what art is. We have talked over and over about the pro's and cons of the subculture and how graffiti can be detrimental as well as positive. The truth is Hip Hop, Graffiti, Art are all about freedom of expression, we live in a world where your limited in freedom by your job, your background, your race, your socioeconomic status, and these are all ways out. In the end thats what its all about freedom.
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I agree with you! It seems that graffiti art is not only about freedom but about making yourself and your sense of freedom known to all. It's like if I can leave my mark on a place that is part of my everyday life (especially trains as Style Wars explains) then I have some sort of power. It is that idea I think that prompted so many youth to want to participate in graffiti art. For youth it is often very important to have control over your own life, to be a part of something that you choose for yourself. In graffiti, it gives the artist a certain status and sense of meaning because through their art they gain a following and recognition, important things for people who often feel powerless.
ReplyDeleteIs the hip hop still about free expression now? For the popular rap songs nowadays, the content and music are so homogeneous, I cannot help doubting if they are still expressing the true feeling and needs of the artist, or just a way of attracting audience and making money.
ReplyDeleteWe also talked about two types of graffiti art. The scrambbled letters/symbols all over the places or the planned, meaningful patterns, pictures and characters. Both seem to be a way of free expression, but I view them fundamentally different. So I wonder if freedom is the core of these subcultures.