DELA CRUZ, Kylie M.

GED0106-SEC90 GRAFITTI

Grafitti: An art or Vandalism?

When we think of art, we might first think of famous works from foreign artists such as
Van Gogh, Picasso, or Monet. We often forget that we have our own identity of art that
has been around since the days of Filipinos' early civilizations. Art has provided a
significant role throughout our history, most especially Philippine History. It is also a
part of our modern lives now from the way we dress, the patterns in our walls, the
layouts of the books or magazines, the architectural designs we have, and we have
adapted. It will always continue to be a piece of our past, present, and future of our
loved ones for many generations to come. Art is not always meant to be looked at only
for what it is. It is intended to kindle thought because it allows the viewers to create
their own sense of emotions and draw from their personal experiences when viewed or
felt. It is compelling in this way, and it naturally develops critical and innovative thinking
skills. Art also teaches many important, relevant qualities, such as listening, observing,
and responding to multiple perspectives. However, how do we classify art through
street art or vandalism? This paper aims to tackle if Panday Sining  can be classified as
an art and my stand regarding the matter.
Panday Sining  is a national performing group of artists aiming to create art as a
medium for progressive expressions of national democracy. They are also a part of
Anakbayan (AB), which is part of the cultural representation; the group aims to reach
people through their street art. However, most people, especially the government,
perceived it as vandalism that burdened these advocates.
Graffiti and murals or other forms of art have been used to express dissent
against the anomalies and things around the world for years. Alain Colombini wrote an
article in 2018 titled "The duality of graffiti: is it vandalism or art?"  tackled that modern
graffiti is defined by the majority in borderline controversial issue between the style and
aesthetic that comes with vandalism. This art, more specifically, the graffiti and street
art, varies in interpretation, but however it was interpreted, these artists conflict with
the law.
DELA CRUZ, Kylie M. GED0106-SEC90 GRAFITTI

Society has set its art standards through produced works of the famous artist of
history that inspired, uplifted, and deepened people. It will always be the highest
standards of excellence that made these artists known and influential to the point that
up until today, most look at art as something that should be leveled with Van Gogh,
Picasso, or Monet. However, we live today in a very progressive society (Saguinsin,
2020). Things change, styles change, cultures enhanced, technology is advancing, and
art is changing.
Further, Pearce believes that art is everything that has meaning. We say that art
is a form of expression of oneself, and if you look at Panday Sining's  work, it serves as
the voice of the voiceless, of the oppressed. Our country is full of events that tear one's
life. The current administration is depriving people through the Anti-Terrorism Act of
2020, restraining Filipino citizens from freely expressing their opinions regarding
political matters and such. We also have the Rice Tarriffication Law that greatly affects
our farmers and their income. 
Saguinsin (2020) once characterized art as something done by a person
regardless of its form. Pearce said, "Grafitti is 100% art." It is a representation of
resistance and a new artistic way to communicate an individual's judgment. Moreover,
as we live in contemporary and highly progressive society, our style and way of living
changes. Though in the Philippines, graffiti is classified as disobedience to the law,
these art materials serve as a social commentary to the law's hypocrisy or the
subjectivity of it. These forms can serve a public good by showing their social
commentary and amplifying the marginalized and oppressed voices. 
I stand with Panday Sining  in a manner that whatever medium they may take or
plan to pursue, art is still the same because art creates one new world that breaks
every world we had made for our selfish way. Art is selfless; art is for the people that
enable everyone to feel and to be on standard terms. Art is not about who is most
significant or well-known; instead, art is about what it is to show or what people need
to know. Furthermore, history is subjective, as per E.H. Carr, so as art. People have
their own perspectives on things, and it is valid in their own rights; one has to view it
differently. 
DELA CRUZ, Kylie M. GED0106-SEC90 GRAFITTI

I additionally view this act of Panday Sining  as their mechanism to get the
attention of the government. I have seen several petitions online that are not heard of
or not listened to by this administration, and through painting the surfaces of the
underpass where many could see, and the Mayor itself could reach, their concerns will
more likely be heard as their art contains their political resistance. As the Filipino
proverb said, "kung hindi mo makuha sa santong dasalan, daanin mo sa santong
paspasan." 
Learning these things only gave me a chance to conclude that whatever people
may say, art is essential, as art can be seen through various ways such as streets,
books, clothes, electronic devices, and even in the smallest corner of the world. The
only difference it makes is how a community, or us Filipinos, takes pride in our culture
and provide knowledge to the people around us as to why our culture should be
preserved and loved. We are all accountable for our future and for what is happening in
our society, it takes time to speak up, but these people taking courage need support.

 
DELA CRUZ, Kylie M. GED0106-SEC90 GRAFITTI

References
Burach, R. (2018, February 2). Graffiti is art, not vandalism. https://temple-news.com/graffiti-is-
art-not-vandalism/.

Colombini, A. (2018, December 2). The duality of Graffiti: is it vandalism or art? CeROArt.
Conservation, exposition, Restauration d'Objets d'Art.
https://journals.openedition.org/ceroart/5745.

Is graffiti art or vandalism? Vans. https://www.vans.eu/bouncingoffthewalls/art/is-graffiti-art-or-

vandalism.html.