As I’m out and about, I notice the presence of graffiti in all four corners of Melbourne; on trains, walls, public seating, billboards, laneways – pretty much any surface capable of holding ink. While in some areas, graffiti is permitted and actually encouraged, there are many areas where it is not and those areas get vandalised by these ‘artists’.

Today, while waiting for the train, I noticed some vibrant graffiti on a row of train carriages (the ones used for transporting goods I suppose) and I couldn’t help but think that it brightened up those otherwise dull cariers. Whether it was comissioned or not is unclear, but I don’t think there’s a high possibility that it was; meaning those ‘vandals’ were probably breaching private property laws. After that thought, I had an internal debate on whether it was a good or bad thing. Although I did appreciate the artistry behind it, I had to stop and reflect on what I had just thought. Considering my own home, I would be pretty angry if someone decided to paint all over it, regardless of how artistic it was.

What is the problem exactly? There are public areas where graffiti permitted, yet some people just enjoy vandalising the most random surfaces. I wonder if making it legal would help in any way (probably not, definitely radical though) – then it won’t be seen as something ‘rebelious’, and apparently ‘cool’ to rule-breakers. Regulating the use of spray cans more strictly might work… although that will be hard to monitor.

Hmm………