Spray On?
Greetings members of Edmonton Centre! My name is Haylee Fortin and I will be writing a short column in each of Ms. Blakeman’s monthly newsletters. I must admit that I was somewhat unsure of what the topic of my first article should be. Finally, I realized that it was all around me; and had been there so long I was no longer aware of it. Most likely, neither are you.
What I am referring to is graffiti. Defined by Merriam Webster, graffiti is the “unauthorized writing or drawing on a public surface.” Personally, what I like about this definition is that it does not pin graffiti down as either positive or negative. There are two sides to the issue of street art. One would be that of an average, law abiding citizen that has to clean up the mess of spray paint that vandals have left behind. But is it a mess
This brings me to the second side of the issue. Graffiti is a form of art, an expression of those that live within the city; using its concrete walls as their canvas and essentially creating a free art gallery for the masses.
Graffiti can range from rude slogans to messages of hope and from indicators of gang territory to beautiful, well thought out works of art. One recurring image that can be found throughout neighborhoods in Edmonton is what has become known as the “Listen Bird.” Its’ design consists of a long legged bird saying “listen” and is simplistic in style, yet still effective. There are many ways the “listen bird” may be interpreted; perhaps it asks us to actually listen to those around us, or maybe it asks us to pay attention to what is going on in our world; or perhaps it simply means that we should stop every once in a while to take the time to listen to the birds.
However, despite the positive aspects of street art; the city Edmonton spends close to $1,000 000 dollars a year ridding its streets of graffiti. Police officers part of the EPS Graffiti Project are able to identify and track artists by their general style and tag; almost like how you would compare handwriting. Another concern is that graffiti defines perfectly safe neighborhoods as less safe and attracts the wrong sort of people.
So, is there a solution that lets citizens and artists meet halfway? Our neighboring city of Calgary says that they have the answer. For quite some time now, Calgary has enforced strict bylaws prohibiting graffiti from all public places; those who are caught face up to a $5000 fine. In an attempt to work with the artists, the city has unofficially “designated” fenced areas used to collect snow and gravel around the city for “safe spray zones.” Other problems involving prohibiting store owners from allowing graffiti artists to use the outside walls of their business as a canvas have somewhat overshadowed the success of Calgary’s anti-graffiti plan. Members of the graffiti community are frustrated with how limited their options have become, despite the city’s efforts to create opportunities in which they can express themselves.
In the end, can anyone ever win? Or are we forever destined to wage the never ending war of bylaws and spray cans?
- Youth Voice for October 2007 by Haylee Fortin
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