Tags - Is it Art?
Whilst the notorious tagger 'Tox' awaited sentencing, Banksy paid tribute by creating his own stencil version of Tox's signature tag, and proudly presented it to the world in Camden. Ironic! (Did Banksy do his as irony or as a protest?) Is this gesture of Banksy a criminal act in itself?
'Tox - King of taggers' Daniel Halpin was convicted in 2011. I've read that some of the hot topics debated during his trial, were that his "tags" and "dubs" were very basic and did not merit real artistic talent. This is a topic we can debate forever. Does art of a high standard, that touches the heartstrings, make one think, show a different view, warrant special treatment in the eyes of the law? Or is defacing private property not just plain illegal? My opinion is tainted, as I love being entertained / educated / inspired by street art that proudly deface (uplift) carefully considered nooks and crannies across cities worldwide. Notice the emphasis I placed here on street art and carefully considered spaces?
In my opinion taggers defacing anything and everything regardless of appropriateness leave behind NO scent whatsoever to stir up any emotions in future passers by. May true Talent continue to make our streets prettier.
