Bomb It discussion raises questions about graffiti

Are graffiti writers artists or criminals? Who has the right to public space? What is a canvas?

On Monday, The San Luis Obispo Art Center discussed these questions after screening the graffiti documentary “Bomb It.”

“Bomb It” is a 2007 film by John Reiss that addresses the history and evolution of graffiti culture on an international level. Reiss’ film aims to make a poignant social statement about public space and the dispute among graffiti writers and businesses and law enforcement.

Reiss’ film includes interviews ranging from first generation graffiti writers to academic theorists. Segments were shot in North America, Africa, South America, Europe and Asia to broaden the ethical discussion with a diverse perspective.

The documentary title  refers to “bombing” the term of choice for graffiti painters to describe their work. To bomb generally refers to tagging, the simplest form of graffiti that consists of a stylized signature, instead of complex pieces. Graffiti writers can execute tagging in seconds or as quickly as detonating a bomb.

The Art Center’s current exhibit “Corpora In Extremis,” Latin for “bodies at the limits,” inspired Art Center Assistant Director Maura Johnston to show the documentary.

“The exhibit asks us to look at figure work outside of our comfort zone just as graffiti pushes social limits outside of our comfort zone,” Johnston said. “Both the film and the exhibit are powerful ways to express societal issues.”

If public space is a forum for discussion, the question is whose voice will be heard? San Luis Obispo residents had mixed reviews on the graffiti debate after viewing the film.

Lieutenant Proll of the San Luis Obispo Police Department said the police take an anti-art stance on graffiti; to them it is simply a crime.

“They need to take talent somewhere else like their house or a canvas,” he said.

California Penal Code Section 594.1 states that the sale, purchase or possession of aerosol paint containers is illegal to anyone under the age of 18. Kids can still buy Sharpies, which are easier to create graffiti with than spray paint said Lieutenant Proll.

An audience member objected.

“It’s not the Sharpie; it’s the person who is using it,” she said.

Others said San Luis Obispo should try alternative options such as building a community wall where it is legal for graffiti writers to tag.

Proll said the San Luis Obispo Police Department has explored the option of a community wall but community members rejected.

“The community wall leads to all sorts of problems with gangs,” he said. “We thought about it but nobody in the neighborhood wanted it.”

Johnston countered with philosophical questions.

“If you can go and play music and you are allowed to rightfully assemble and spew your opinions and make public commentary, how is that any different than using public space for graffiti?” she said.

A Santa Maria High School teacher who wished to remain unnamed said that graffiti was not art in any form. One art student ended up with a felony after she caught him destroying his classmates’ work.

“He was kicked out of his class, then he is out tagging his initials everywhere: the new Santa Maria library, the mall, the school, everything,” she said. “And he told the police officer he did it to keep off of drugs, but when he is given the tools in the classroom to do art he just throws it all away.”

Johnston ended the discussion with a thought provoking statement.

“Sometimes you can give people a canvas but the canvas isn’t big enough, they want to draw outside of the lines,” she said “What is art and what is public space? That is the real question.”