Archives for the Month of October 2007 on Colin Mulholland's Online Journal
Though Thoughtful, Still Illegal
What do we classify as writing in Cleveland? Is it material that is in Cleveland and not found anywhere else, or is it found everywhere including Cleveland? Regardless of the material, the importance of writing in Cleveland is to reveal information to others about the city. This is found in simple examples, such as: the garage sale poster that was labeled 9 am until 2 pm on Saturday or the detour signs that allow you to navigate around road construction. Specifying the time of the garage sale allows interested customers to arrange the garage sale into their day, and the detour sign may allow an individual who is running late to a meeting to arrive on time. Writing has the ability, if analyzed correctly, to make life more efficient.
A more interesting style of writing in Cleveland is graffiti. This is usually a creative work used to express opinion. These writings can be very crafty or plain, but both ways are written to develop an idea. My research led me upon two sayings, which are: “free the g” (written on an RTA window) and “Sept. 11 Gone but not forgotten” (pbase.com). The first phrase is more individualized and states that the writer wants to get his acquaintance out of jail. This is not directly stated so it is tough to analyze thoroughly who “the g” is or why he or she is restricted. This message brings a feeling of comfort to the writer and supporters of “the g” through a tiny piece of writing. The supporters feel as if they have common interests and in response are willing to support each other throughout the issue. The “Sept. 11” piece has a broader prospective because it applies to all Americans, especially those directly affected. This artwork symbolizes faith of America that we will never fail to remember the event and we, as Americans, will defend our “home.” Although these artworks are very distinct, they both attempt to bring people together in support of an issue. Usually graffiti walls with words are more affective in establishing a supporting cast, but unique and thoughtful illustrations can generate support as well.
This so called “artwork” is catchy and supportive, but it also has another very important characteristic. It is vandalism, which is illegal in the United States. It is strange that something that is considered a piece of art and has a positive effect on people is illegal, but it is. Graffiti makes poor, rundown neighborhoods more lively and charismatic. Why would anyone be against this? Graffiti is down graded by immature, rebellious individuals who write cruel and inappropriate scenes.
My presumption is that when talented artists with suitable ideas are questioned about their passion to break the law to express artwork, many of their answers will be similar. They will speak of an adrenaline rush and a feeling of being free. A feeling that is long searched for but rarely found. The fact that individuals can create such elaborate pieces of work in the dark, to avoid lawful authorities, is amazing. I encourage those creative, heart warming artists to keep their works appropriate, but to not authority stop them from their passion.