Concept · 4 steps · Cultural & postmodern frames

When Does Graffiti Become Art?

The driving question of the whole unit. From why the same spray can makes a crime or a masterpiece, through the law and ownership, all the way to graffiti selling for millions at auction. Four short steps, each with its own toy to play with.

1 Where it comes fromRate four wall-marks from vandalism to art, and feel how slippery the line really is. 2 How to do itThe five factors that tip the judgement — with a needle that proves it's a spectrum. 3 Where it gets trickyVandalism, ownership and the law — weigh legality against artistic merit and watch them clash. 4 Out in the wildMove the same piece from alley to gallery to auction, and watch the artworld change its mind.

← This concept rests on

Appropriation

→ It unlocks

Where Graffiti Comes From
The Language of Graffiti