Yesterday marked a first in the history
of UK politics on the controversial topic of Graffiti as The House of
Commons opened its Westminster doors to host Smile Britannia, a charity street
art auction – the first to ever take place in the UK’s political grounds. Made
up of an impressive checklist artist line up, including works by
well-known modern graffiti and provoking street artists such as Banksy, Nick
Walker, David Walker, Inkie, Ryan Callanan, and Mau Mau. The event is set to go
down on the books as being the first to see this modern contemporary art form return
to The House of Commons, and be ‘so evidently accepted by an establishment it
has fought so tirelessly against.’
Often used as a political voice for
change - to raise awareness of social and political issues. ‘Street art has not
only radically transformed the way we view our public pavements and walls but
the Graffiti industry has turned into multi-million pound industry, now deemed
worthy of the attention of the Houses of Parliament, with the hosting of a
street art auction, à la mode the House of Commons.’
The House of Commons is the
democratically elected house of the UK Parliament, responsible for making laws
and checking the work of Government. The Goss-IPgirl wonders could this be Parliament endorsing the validity/legitimising of street art? Which throws into
the spotlight again, questions concerning the legality of this art form.
Mary McCarthy, an Urban art specialist,
in an insightful article on the ‘legalities of street art’ on the Huffington
post here,
raised the poignant point that:
“Previously
described as vandalism, criminal activity and the 'wanton destruction of
private property'…there has been a noticeable softening of the judicial system
towards street art. Just last week a Mancunian street artist was unexpectedly
excused from a significant prison term for vandalism, despite causing thousands
of pounds worth of damage, because the judge residing over the case believed
the offender had unquestionable talent and indeed 'could be the next Banksy.”
As Graffiti art comes off public walls
and frequently becomes part of private collections sold at auctions. The
Goss-IPgirl also wonders if as the value of street art increases…so too will it’s
legal legitimacy?
The government seems to have already taken
more notice of the regenerative effects of street art and graffiti that have contributed
to the gentrification of certain urban areas. Through these blurred lines of legitimacy,
McCarthy puts forward that “despite art collectors" being increasingly willing
to pay large sums of money “for what law enforcement officers still consider to
be illegal acts of vandalism …” Despite the positive picture painted, “the fact remains that…this art form [still] carries a hefty prison term and/or fine,” one
the Goss-IPgirl doubts the seats of the parliament, will be willing to change
anytime soon.
For more on the auction – you can go here.
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