Some people do not appreciate graffiti - its a mess, its illegal, its ugly.... blah blah blah.
Now, I couldnt manouver a spray can around to save my life. Better yet Im probably the least talented artist you will ever meet. Eg. My year 10 maths teacher felt sorry for me when I accidentally got put in 2d art as my elective with all the artists, so he graded me on different criteria, like 'effort' and 'use of colours', bless his heart.
But you dont have to be an artist to recognise and appreciate graffiti as an art. There is a skill and talent to it - in the underground graffiti world, there are those who are internationally recognised and have gone on to have public outdoor exhibitions and indoor galleries featuring their work.
Here in Melbourne, Rutledge Lane features this kind of work. Walls are covered in hours of labour, by those wanting to leave their little stamp on the world and this great city.People from all over the world come to this lane to see it - it stands up there with any work you will find in the streets of London, New York and Los Angeles.
If you are interested in this type of thing, or are willing to open your eyes to the possibility that there is more to this than scribble on the wall, head to Rutedge lane. Its free, open at all hours, and there are no lines. Melbourne at its creative and eclectic best. read more