What constitutes the rights
of an “artist” to make a statement? Is it protected speech? Or, does it simply become an
object, a thing, once it is created?
This new “expression” near
my home covers part of a mural at a playground that had already seen additional
“expression” by graffiti artists.
The first amendment to the
Constitution is central to how Americans see our rights. Restrictions on
expressing our opinions, ideas, hopes & fears are sometimes seen as
unlimited. Yet, there are dozens of restrictions from incitement to a crime to
defamation or obscenity.
Artists, whom I respect, in
our community argue that graffiti is free speech. Yet, defacing the "speech" of another is a line that I am unwilling to negotiate. If freedom
to make an artistic statement impinges on the rights of others…for speech, for
property rights, for a livable community…should it be protected? When it is egregious disregard for community values and simply blatant egotism, I can't justify it.
And, when the building is
finally re-painted as protection against the weather, is that an infringement
on the speech of the muralist, the graffiti artist and the most recent shadow
painter?
