There has always been a
strong debate of whether graffiti is considered public art or vandalism. From
the standpoint of the law, it is illegal and needs to be dealt with as soon as
possible. However, the traditional laws of enforcing graffiti control do not seem
to apply to the old abandoned Tubs building in the U-District neighborhood of
Seattle. The building shows how graffiti
can be considered as free, community art, and is a unique example of DIY
Urbanism.
When Tubs was open for
business, it operated as a bathhouse and spa, but was eventually shut down in
2007. After this, the building became an
ugly eyesore to the community, with plain walls, no windows, and no purpose.
This changed after graffiti artists started spraying the building with their
signature marks and paintings, eventually turning the building into a colorful
collage of artwork.
This building is unique
because it is not necessarily about displaying gang related graffiti and
“tagging,” but rather a display of individual works of art and political opinions
formed together to make community art. It becomes a place where so many people
from the neighborhood are adding a certain style of temporary artwork that will
be painted over eventually by some other artist. And since so many people have
painted on this wall before, it helps others lose their fear of getting in trouble
for adding more graffiti.
Since the fear of “being
caught” is taken away, it truly becomes an example of DIY Urbanism because
anyone can add to the walls at all times of the day, in broad daylight, not
worrying about any repercussions. You can go by yourself, or with friends to
add your own touch to the community. So all in all, this place isn’t just an
old building taken over by hoodlums, but rather an important and interesting
part of the neighborhood that brings the community together through shared art.
View Tubs in a larger map
No comments:
Post a Comment