The writing on the wall
The recent release of the film, exit through gift shop, which was intended to cast some light into the world of anonymous celebrity graffiti artist Banksy - but ended up being about the film maker (how very postmodern) - provides a great opportunity to consider how graffiti is used to communicate.
To my knowledge, no thorough history of graffiti exists. Although well documented examples exist stretching back to the beginnings of recorded history, the modern flourishing, it appears, has avoided the historians' pen.
A social phenomenon which effects every urban environment imaginable - and some rural ones too - graffiti can be art, political comment, vandalism or all three at the same time.
Legitimate works adorning shop shutters in 'funky' parts of towns, teenagers declaring their love for their latest squeeze and toothbrush moustaches added to David Cameron's top lip on billboards, demonstrate the diversity of the form.
Graffiti will always be with us but the counter-intuitive examples, which make you stop and think, will live longest in the memory.
There are some great pieces out there, you just need to keep your eyes open for them.
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