Tagging: Vandalism or Expression?
By Lucas on Nov 19, 2013
“Tagging” - what does this term mean? Some people believe it is pure vandalism, some believe it is art.
According to TheFreeDictionary.com, tagging is “A graffito featuring a word or words, especially the author's name, rather than a picture.” StreetARToronto, the City’s street art division, defines tagging as an “act of vandalism.”
This is how UrbanDictionary.com defines tagging:
“Much like, but not to be confused with graffiti. Tagging is signing your name or other representation of yourself on anywhere public. (walls, bus-stops, alleyways, paved streets, etc.). Unlike graffiti, tagging usually takes less time and skill as it is done in one color with a single can of spray paint or thick marker.”
In a recent feature about graffiti, Toronto entrepreneur and artist Andrew Patterson, called “ANY surface in ANY location, a space with the promise of a one of a kind handstyle or font in any number of compositions.”
We understand that depending on the context, tagging can be considered vandalism. If someone spray paints a tag on someone’s car, that’s obviously not acceptable, and some may argue the same for a public surface like a hydro box or lamp post.
But remember, isn’t a city the result of unique individuals and their desire to grow as a society? If tagging is a “representation of yourself,” aren’t the multiple surfaces of a city the best place for this kind of expression?
Below is a series of tags collected by Andrew Patterson via his Instagram. Each one of these tags is unique and represents an individual most likely living in Toronto.
Take a look through them and let us know if you think tagging is vandalism.
