I've just moved here about 2 weeks now.

I have to say that the extent of the graffiti in Melbourne and even in the "nicer" suburbs is unreal.

Maybe I've led a little sheltered upbringing but I didn't think so being brought up in the north of Ireland during the "troubles".

Most of the graffiti is unintelligible and so one wonders what purpose it serves other than destruction of private property. (as with all graffiti I suppose)

I couldn't help but think of how New York was transformed in the early 90's by the removal of the graffiti. I think they called it "broken window syndrome" where broken windows (and graffiti) encouraged more broken windows (and graffiti) and other crime. The authorities had a programme of actively painting over grafitti before the paint had time to dry and it actually helped reduce crime....I didn't deduce that, just something that I read.

I've been in London many times, albiet not so much in the suburbs, and it doesn't seem quite so bad. Is Sydney and other Australian cities as bad as Melbourne for graffiti?

Giz

Yes. I couldn't get over Perth's graffiti. Some suburbs worse than others, but still loads. I was back in my hometown last July and noticed how rare it was to see it there.

Haven't noticed that much in Brisbane except along train lines like usual.

Maybe grafitti has been encouraged in Melbourne due the fantastic grafitti art they have in the city lane ways?

Believe it or not, Melbourne is regarded as one of the main Graffiti "Art" Centers of the world.

So I think you'll find there is a touch of tacit approval amongst all of this. You'll find there a very high number of businesses that pay to have Grafitti art painted on their walls. Especially here in the Northern Suburbs.... Heres an example from George Calombaris, Hellenic Republic restaurant in Brunswick... he of Master Chef Fame.



There are literally 100's of Business throughout the Northern Burbs that have these Murals on their walls.

It's very difficult to draw the line I guess. Although tagging is definitely a no no. Even some of the houses that you see along railway lines have encouraged Grafitti artists to cover their back fences in the hope that it keeps the taggers away... There is some kind of hierarchy amongst these groups that means for the most part where there is recognised art the Taggers for the most part will stay away.

Personally I like them... One of the things that makes this region so colorful and interesting in my view.

I lived in London for many years and the graffiti is as bad as Melbourne. Tagging is popular in both places and is complete shit. The simpletons who do this think it's art as they think it's the same as artistic graffiti. There was a case last year when someone tagged over a banksie in the CBD street that has all the good stuff.

Agree with the broken window policy. And I would add that anyone caught defacing property should be made to pay for all the cleaning costs since the last person was caught. I don't give a monkeys if they are unable to afford it.

The Melbourne City Council, accidently cleaned off a Banksie... there was hell to pay over that. Luckily it was just a small stencil, so no real harm done.

The MCC should probably have Perspexed it anyway.

>>Personally I like them... One of the things that makes this region so colorful and interesting in my view.<<

One of the things that disgust me about the place.

Destruction of property - which is what graffiti is - is rightly illegal. Those chattering classes who publish books of graffiti and elevate it into an art form to be admired should IMO have meaningless daubs plastered over their houses and cars etc to see how they *really* like it.

The fact that *some* graffiti vandals produce artistic paintings is neither here nor there - public and private walls are not theirs to be defaced.

I think it easy to draw the line. If the owner allows it then it's fine otherwise it's a crime. I can't see too many owners allowing tagging whereas I can see more accepting good graffiti art.

We are talking about entire gable ends that are painted in broad daylight with the consent of the owners in many cases.

Tagging is a problem, no doubt.

They were cleaning off a tag that was partially over a banksie. I blame the person who did the tag. MCC don't want the tags, it's not their fault if some simpleton has tagged over what is considered art. It would be good to see some of the other Melbourne councils doing the same.

If I lived along a Railway line, one of the first things I would do is encourage Grafitti artists to do some proper art on my back fence. It would hopefully keep the taggers at bay, as they tend to sort each other out.

If I lived along a railway line I doubt I'd care what was on the other side of my back fence!

One of these fellows could well be an aspiring Banskie you never know. There usually a bike/footpath there as well. I'm off to the City in a train in a little while.... I dont go in by train very often, usually Tram it. I enjoy looking at the decent and new examples of Graffiti along the way.

On Jury Duty ....

I am on Jury Duty too, Day 3 still waiting to be called up. I cancelled a bunch of appointments to do this at least they could bother to need me

It wasn't the graffiti art that I was referring to, I would have a certain amount of appreciation for that.

It's more the likes of this crap that you get in the suburbs that really gets on my wick: