Making a Business out of Graffiti

I’ve blogged about graffiti and Banksy a few times before.

And, now I’ve found an interesting article about both by Louise Leontiades called Graffiti is Good for Your Business that discusses the tensions between graffiti as art or crime over the centuries and how the anti-social dimension of graffiti is itself becoming a business.

It’s a fascinating proposition and echoes what we’re seeing as mainstream business try to become more ‘streetwise’ and ‘edgy’ by adopting ‘enfant teribles’ like graffiti artists, hackers, skateboarders, etc.

The article also includes the provocative quote from Banksy in 2005 -

“Imagine a city where graffiti wasn’t illegal, a city where everybody draw whatever they liked. Where every street was awash with a million colours and little phrases. Where standing at a bus stop was never boring. A city that felt like a party where everyone was invited, not just the estate agents and barons of big business. Imagine a city like that and stop leaning against the wall – it’s wet.”

And, BTW, if you’re a Bansky fan (like me) you can now get an iPhone app that give you a tour of Banksy graffiti locations and more - Banksy iPhone App

Francesco …