Masterpiece or Mess?

2/18/2025

Graffiti covers everything from train cars to alley walls, from political messages to intricate murals. Some call it vandalism—an illegal defacement of public and private property. Others see it as an art form—raw, unfiltered expression that gives a voice to the unheard.

One artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat's, rise to fame began on the streets of New York City, where he first made his mark as SAMO, a graffiti tag he used to spray cryptic, thought-provoking messages on buildings in the late 1970s. His raw, poetic style caught the attention of the art world, and by the early 1980s, he transitioned from street art to painting on canvas.

Jean-Michel Basquiat died on August 12, 1988, at the age of 27 from a heroin overdose in his New York City studio. Despite his meteoric rise in the art world, he struggled with addiction, a battle that ultimately cut his groundbreaking career short.

Jean-Michel Basquiat's net worth at the time of his death in 1988 was estimated to be around $10 million. Since then, the value of his artwork has skyrocketed. In 2017, his painting "Untitled" (1982) sold for $110.5 million, setting a record for an American artist. In 2022, his estate generated $439.6 million in sales, ranking him just behind Pablo Picasso in art sales. His work, blending graffiti with social commentary on race, wealth, and power, catapulted him into the fine art scene, making him one of the most influential artists of his time.

Let's Write! What do you think? Was Basquiat an artistic martyr or a scribbling saint? Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism? Does it beautify a space or destroy it? Who gets to decide what’s classy or trashy?

INSTRUCTIONS

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**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

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WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., February 21, 11:59 p.m. CST

williams 6B J

2/18/2025 11:20:24 am

I think that Masterpiece and Mess where we explore unedited stories and journeys of growth greater self-expression and better well being.

Cololcho J 6B

2/18/2025 03:53:08 pm

Sounds truly inspiring and it focuses on personal growth.

Colocho J 6B

2/18/2025 11:59:59 am

I think the classification of art in general it would depend on the cultural event and perspective from it.

Kendell Hurrington 4A

2/19/2025 09:54:04 am

Your so right, art always has a meaning and it should be considered when being observed.

Nathan T 3A

2/19/2025 12:39:54 pm

I agree with you classification of art depends on how someone views it.

espinosa m 3a

2/19/2025 01:31:32 pm

I completely agree! Basquiat’s work was more than just random scribbles; it had meaning and a message. His ability to combine graffiti with social commentary made his art stand out. Graffiti itself is a form of self-expression, and while unauthorized tagging can be controversial, artists like Basquiat show that street art has the potential to be respected just as much as traditional paintings in museums. His impact on modern art is undeniable.

Williams Z 6B

2/20/2025 11:38:27 am

I agree too this here my reason His powerful messages about racism, inequality, and social justice continue to resonate with audiences today

smith shaniah 8b

2/18/2025 02:59:20 pm

I think he was a artistic martyr graffiti should be considered as art depending on what the design says it tells a story I think the city should decide if it classy or trashy

Colocho J 6B

2/18/2025 03:54:15 pm

Yes, this expresses the unedited stories talked about and the inspiring journey that promotes the well being of others.

Williams Z 6B

2/20/2025 11:29:03 am

I agree with you on this one behind every graffiti art it a story to tell

Kendell Hurrington 4A

2/19/2025 09:56:24 am

This is a very appropriate take. The city and its people should have the loudest voices when there is critique on their smaller culture/ society.

Divine Ojeh 3A

2/19/2025 12:07:20 pm

I agree, art is full of stories which have deep meanings. Although, viewers can decide if the art is classy or garbage.

Nathan Torres 3A

2/19/2025 12:43:02 pm

I agree with graffiti having a story behind, and that its up to the people to decide if its trashy or classy

espinosa m 3a

2/19/2025 01:31:50 pm

Absolutely! Basquiat’s work challenged the status quo and gave a voice to issues that were often overlooked. Art isn’t just about beauty—it’s also about making people think, and that’s exactly what Basquiat did. While some people see graffiti as vandalism, others see it as a way to reclaim public spaces and tell stories that might not otherwise be heard. His transition from street art to fine art proves that graffiti deserves to be recognized as a legitimate art form.

Curlee A, 4A

2/21/2025 09:23:03 pm

Art is the most subjective thing on the planet, because anything can be art. No one can really say what's good or bad, classy or trashy, or anything definitely. It's really just about perspective.

Miles D 4A

2/21/2025 11:50:32 pm

I agree with you art can't be one specific thing it comes down to what people precieve as art and what they don't.

Kendell Hurrington 4A

2/19/2025 09:52:06 am

I have have no real grasp on art nor what the community may or may not think about certain things. The graffiti is beautiful and has cultural meaning that has transcended the artists life, thus there must be value in his pieces. Graffiti and vandalism go hand in hand. If your forcing your art onto the property of another without their permission, then its plain disrespectful. When it comes to the classy and trashy accusations, it all lies in the eyes of the beholder. the artists goal may be to send a message or make a statement, so arguing on weather or not the piece is "classy" is just useless.

Sanchez A 3A

2/19/2025 11:04:41 am

I agree graffiti shouldn't be a problem if its done correctly and not on someones house or private property. Mostly all artists have a message or creates a piece that holds value it's not something they do randomly.

Curlee A, 4A

2/21/2025 09:24:07 pm

Agree, as long as you're not actively harming someone's property, or disrespecting the wishes of others, I think graffiti is fine.

Bronson M, 3A

2/19/2025 11:22:50 am

I agree, I'm not into art or what people think about it. Graffiti is art and it has many meanings behind beauty. Depending on what its written on it can be vandalism. Trashy or classy is decided by the city but most of the time they say its trashy because people graffiti on whatever.

Torres. C 3/A

2/19/2025 11:53:32 am

I think we should still respect public property, But The sense of Rebellion that the the art conveys by not asking as a underlying theme is truly amazing!

rivera d 4a

2/21/2025 05:38:38 pm

i see your point graffiti holds cultural value showing its impact. what matters is the artists message and intent

Luster J, 3A

2/21/2025 10:50:02 pm

I love the way you addressed the topic, it described it perfectly. The saying "it all lies in the eye of the beholder" is a statement that perfectly fit's the topic of art. Even if we don't completely understand the real message we can still appreciate the beauty it brings.

Sanchez A 3A

2/19/2025 10:54:05 am

I think Basquiat was an artist because art is a from of creation of creativity, a building can be art by the way it was built. The world is art in itself, so the term "graffiti" should be considered as art. It can both beautify or destroy a space depends on how the viewer sees it.

Bronson M, 3A

2/19/2025 11:19:15 am

I agree, Basquiat was an artist who told a story through his creativity. Graffiti is art, based on the city they decide if its beauty or destructive. The city is able to take action and the people have a say.

Torres. C 3/A

2/19/2025 11:52:11 am

I love that, Art can be beauty or destructive, it's a creative way of describing art!

Divine Ojeh 3A

2/19/2025 12:05:26 pm

I agree, art is something that may break the rule or something that may be beautiful.

Tomas Ruiz 6B

2/19/2025 10:34:53 pm

Basquiat is an artist, an unique one at best since it's so full of creativity.

Tobias A 3A

2/20/2025 08:59:40 am

I agree, Basquiat was an amazing artist that communicated thru graffiti. Graffiti is about art. People choose If it's beautiful or vandalism.

Salazar J 1A

2/21/2025 11:44:11 pm

I agree, graffiti is a unique form of art that allows to send a message in a creative way.

Miles D 4A

2/21/2025 11:52:26 pm

I agree, Basquait graffiti was a form of art and should be recognized as art but it comes down to how people see it and wether or not they think that it is art.

Bronson M, 3A

2/19/2025 11:16:21 am

Basquiat was an artist and graffiti is art. Some people vandalize by writing on things they shouldn't but color on a wall is better then plain. It makes the place more unique while telling a story. Whether its classy or trashy that should be the city's decision.

Tobias A 3A

2/20/2025 10:13:55 am

I agree, Basquiat was a great artist. He used his art skills to show his work with graffiti. Some people actually vandalize in a tarshy way.

Fuentez M 3A

2/21/2025 09:59:41 pm

Agreeing with what you said the plain wall is just boring to look at now people can take pictures and admire the wall. It just brings out more life seeing the art .

Torres. C 3/A

2/19/2025 11:32:54 am

Basquiat Without a doubt was an artist, and his graffiti showed this, in more ways than one. A show of rebellion to a society he felt disconnected to or to convey a cry of help during a dark period in his life. When people hated it, it would still at the end of the day, prove his point, his disconnection would be a big "Screw you" to society and to those who joined him, he would return with more art.

Sanchez A 3A

2/19/2025 12:24:02 pm

I agree that Basquit is an artist, his art shows how he feels about life and all that in between.

Frank Jimenez 6B

2/20/2025 10:33:22 am

Despite what some people think, his art has brought in a world of astonishment and beliefs. Not to start a war but a way to express his thoughts on a art piece.

Johnson C 8B

2/20/2025 02:42:20 pm

I agree that Basquit is an artist, his art shows how he feels about life and all that in between.

Reply

Divine Ojeh 3A

2/19/2025 12:03:55 pm

Basquiat was both a rule breaker and a genius.
Graffiti can be a art or vandalism depending on where and how its done. It can make a place look good or messy.
Art is about making people think and sometimes breaking the rule.

Fuentez M 3A

2/21/2025 10:04:53 pm

I agree with what you say Basquiat was both categories. I also agree with the fact that it depend how the graffiti is done . Like in school graffiti is defined as trash and immature because of how they do the graffiti . People like Basquiats graffiti is considered as Art.

Nathan T 3A

2/19/2025 12:37:30 pm

I believe that Basquiat's art was an artistic martyr, his graffiti should be considered as art since he expressed himself but if you graffiti and it includes slurs on public buildings then it should be considered vandalism. Grafitti beautifies a place but only if its by someone who already has experience, Whether if it looks classy or trashy depends on someones Pov.

Hayes T 8B

2/20/2025 03:22:32 pm

I agree with you I feel like Basquiat expresses himself with his work that's why it's more than just vandalism.

espinosa m 3a

2/19/2025 01:31:04 pm

Jean-Michel Basquiat was undoubtedly an artist, not merely a “scribbling saint.” His work blended graffiti with fine art, creating a unique visual language that addressed themes of race, wealth, and power. While some may argue that graffiti is vandalism, Basquiat’s rise to fame demonstrates how street art can be a powerful and legitimate form of artistic expression. His success in the fine art world proves that graffiti can transcend public walls and be recognized as high art. Rather than destroying spaces, graffiti—when done with intention—can beautify and challenge societal norms, making it a crucial part of contemporary art.

Hayes T 8B

2/20/2025 03:20:55 pm

I agree with you his art it more than just scribbling he has meanings to his art works which makes it powerful.

Cozine S 3A

2/19/2025 02:01:32 pm

I couldn't really say I don't like there art form because it is a sight to see, but Basquiat told a story thru his art form.

Garcia M 3A

2/19/2025 03:07:41 pm

Basquiat was both martyr and saint, exploited by the art world yet redefining graffiti as poetic and political. Graffiti in some cases can be a radical reclaim of public space, a visual protest, a way of bringing beauty and identity to otherwise neglected environments.

Tomas Ruiz 6B

2/19/2025 10:23:21 pm

Yeah, for example Graffiti Alley in Toronto. If you go and check it out by searching it up you can see how much a boring Alley got completely transformed by all the beautiful graffiti art people spray painted on.

Tomas Ruiz 6B

2/19/2025 10:09:53 pm

Personally I like graffiti art, mostly like Banksy. Looking at this Basquiat fellas graffiti art, I see it as a mix of both artistic and just random scribbles, but I really like the uniqueness of his art. I think that graffiti should be treated as a sort of art and not just vandalism as it's a good way for people to express themselves. Yet in some cases there are some historical and national parks that have been ruined by graffiti which sucks.

Tobias A 3A

2/20/2025 08:56:43 am

I believe that Basquiat is a good figure because he started as a graffiti artist and became a known painter. Some people think graffiti is vandalism, but I think its a powerful form of art that can express messages. Whether graffiti is viewed as art or vandalism it depends on peoples personal opinion about what is beautiful or valuable

Frank Jimenez 5B

2/20/2025 10:31:46 am

True, it all depends on what people think. Some will side with the other and as long as it ain't offensive. On other thoughts art plays a crucial role in this society and sometimes people need to take it for granted.

Alvarez J 8B

2/20/2025 11:12:00 am

I agree, graffiti should also be considered art no motter ypur opinion on it.

Flores A 4A

2/20/2025 09:08:52 am

graffiti art isn't vandalism at heart, sure if an artist spray paints an building without permission then that's obvious vandalism, but with permission of the owner then there's nothing wrong with it. if graffiti is done right it can look amazing and if its on local business with consent of the owner then it could be a great way to attract new customers. basquita art is very unique and I haven't seen anything like it before and should be remembered as a great artist, but unfortunately passed away so young from an addition.

Alvarez J 8B

2/20/2025 11:06:15 am

Yes i agree, graffiti is a unique and beautiful type of art and if its done with consent it would get less criticism.

Johnson C 8B

2/20/2025 02:40:52 pm

I agree, graffiti should also be considered art no motter ypur opinion on it.

Malvaez M. 1A

2/21/2025 01:38:11 pm

Basquit's artwork left a huge impact of what artwork should be, he also manage to show how nice artwork can be when being done the right way rather than commit crimes. As long as no harm or crime is committed, people should be able to express themselves freely they choose even through the passion of art.

Frank Jimenez 6B

2/20/2025 10:28:32 am

Public opinion plays a significant role here, as does the appropriateness of the graffiti to its surroundings. Also one might find the art trashy or classy It's all of a matter of an opinion. Tho it sometimes ain't right painting on private property walls and other government paid structures with political issues. As long as its bright and vibrant. But I would argue basquiat is a good figure to the community and a good artist to the world showing his skills and his beliefs.

Gomez D 1A

2/20/2025 11:48:00 pm

There is a time and place where graffiti can be acceptable I agree with you on that and it is up to peoples own opinion to say if it is acceptable or not

Alvarez J 8B

2/20/2025 10:53:08 am

In my opinion, Graffiti should be considered art when there's no type of ill-suited language or when its not done on someones personal property. Art is supposed to convey emotion and i believe graffiti can do that. There's no difference in drawing on a canvas over doing it on a mural, its still art.

Smith Sk 8B

2/20/2025 02:36:22 pm

I agree, art speaks value and so does graffiti

Alarcon A 3A

2/21/2025 08:30:44 am

I agree graffiti is a type of art because art is the expression of human creative skill and that is what graffiti is, people hold meanings to graffiti's they see on the streets.

Malvaez M. 1A

2/21/2025 01:34:15 pm

Graffiti is great way for an artist to express messages and emotion without causing harm, and drawing on paper is also another great way to express an artist feelings. Both of those share similar ways for an artist to express themselves so graffiti should also be considered art.

Rodriguez R. 4A

2/21/2025 01:34:34 pm

I agree, graffiti should be considered as art when it's not done on someones property.

Salazar J 1A

2/21/2025 11:47:37 pm

I agree, as long as the graffiti is done in an appropriate place it and has no bad intentions it should be allowed and viewed as art.

Williams Z 6B

2/20/2025 11:26:03 am

I feel like graffiti is another way to express a person character

Galvez J, 3A

2/21/2025 09:59:08 am

It is a very good way to express yourself. Art is not only a way to express yourself, but also a way to relieve stress.

Galvez J, 3A

2/20/2025 12:02:26 pm

Jean was definitely an artistic genius as his graffiti and paintings caught the attention of the world. Graffiti should be considered art as it symbolizes a lot more than just a drawing on a wall. Although I can see it being destructive if someone wants to start a business and it messes up the store's branding, but art is subjective and it could lead to the store gaining more people.

Smith Sk 8B

2/20/2025 02:35:32 pm

I agree, graffiti should be considered art.

Gomez D 1A

2/20/2025 11:46:04 pm

I agree with you sometimes graffitti can be a bit damaging to newly opened businesses but it can also bring a lot of color back into the business

Alarcon A 3A

2/21/2025 08:29:08 am

I agree graffiti should be considered art as it could have more in depth meanings to someone rather than it just being some random painting on the wall.

Emmanuel A, 1A

2/21/2025 07:08:51 pm

What you said about his graffiti grabbing the attention of the world is probably exaggerated, however his art has most definitely influenced many and has created a huge impact on modern art.

Luster J, 3A

2/21/2025 10:46:08 pm

I understand where you're coming from and honestly I agree with it. But even if graffiti bring's in attentions it's never okay to do something without proper permission.

Cavazos N 6B

2/21/2025 11:33:39 pm

I agree that graffiti can be both a good thing and a bad thing.

Smith Sk 8B

2/20/2025 02:34:05 pm

Johnson C 8B

2/20/2025 02:40:31 pm

I think that Masterpiece and Mess where we explore unedited stories and journeys of growth greater self-expression and better well being.

Hayes T 8B

2/20/2025 03:18:43 pm

I believe that Basquiat is an artist and his work has an meaning and a message to it. I think graffiti should be considered art because its basically the same thing as art they both have a message to it. Graffiti to me beautifies a place that brings light to things. I feel like the culture should decide what classy or trashy.

Devonte James 6B

2/21/2025 03:58:12 pm

i agree not all graffiti is bad Basquiat graffiti has a lot of meaning and messages behind them

Gomez D 1A

2/20/2025 09:30:53 pm

I would say basquiat was an artist even if his work was graffiti it always had a meaningful message behind it. Graffiti should definitely be considered art because art can be anything really and like expressed in any way and graffiti really brings more personality to any place so it doesn't look so bland and I feel like everyone should have their opinion on what they think art is

Lopez M 1A

2/21/2025 08:04:10 pm

Graffiti really does bring out personality and creative in the artist but sometimes people may not see it that way. In the end every person has a different opinion on graffiti being considered art or vandalism.

Alarcon A 3A

2/21/2025 08:27:44 am

Basquiat was an artist who hid meaningful messages behind their graffiti. Graffiti should be considered art due to the connections and messages people have with each other through art, graffiti can show how a person feels at the moment and brings character to a place so that it isn't basic.

Devonte James 6B

2/21/2025 03:57:12 pm

i agree i think graffiti is one of the best forms of art out there and can bring a lot of emotions to life

Guzmán X 6B

2/21/2025 07:43:38 pm

Basquiat’s graffiti carried deep messages, making it more than just street art. Graffiti should be considered art because it connects people and expresses emotions. It adds character to places and keeps them from feeling dull. Art is about expression, and graffiti is a powerful form of it.

smith sh 8B

2/21/2025 08:41:10 am

i think he was and artist i also think graffiti should be considered art and a for of expressing your thoughts for other people to see . I think it beatify a space by adding color to a dull space.i think the community should be able to identify whats classy and trashy

Rodriguez R. 4A

2/21/2025 01:30:27 pm

I agree, graffiti should be considered art because artists can express their thoughts for others to see.

Knowles K 1A

2/21/2025 03:48:45 pm

Exactly Graffiti gives people the chance to express themselves in ways they may not be able to in other places

Emmanuel A 1A

2/21/2025 07:06:34 pm

Yes, the fact that he spent so much time doing graffiti and practically turned it into an art show is amazing. His graffiti would have probably add whatever space he did it on a lot more vibrant and beautiful.

Alexandra W. 6B

2/21/2025 12:00:38 pm

I think Graffiti is a good arts and shoud show people what he made and did but what as I think that the people shound have asked the people how owners can they put Graffiti art up

Knowles K 1A

2/21/2025 03:47:49 pm

I think grafitti is art especially with Basquiat he drew with a meaning behind his art

Rodriguez R. 4A

2/21/2025 01:03:41 pm

I think it depends on the artist's motives some do have different intentions when doing graffiti and just want to share art or send a message to the world. Basquiat was probably both an artistic martyr and a scribbling saint. Graffiti should be considered art because most artists use it to spread a message through an art piece, and it beautifies a space by the colors and shapes. No one should get to decide what’s classy or trashy, since everyone has different opinions.

Aiyanyo E 3A

2/21/2025 11:59:16 pm

I agree since you could technically classify Basquiat as both since he was creative artists expressing his art in the world. However, he definitely struggled with mental health and his art can be seen as vandalism.

Malvaez M. 1A

2/21/2025 01:30:55 pm

No matter where the art originated or how it was made, it is still art in the eyes if the creator hoping to inspire and amaze those who view it.Even If Basquait's art work was graffiti, it still captured something that has meaning and was able to express his message through art. Graffiti should be considered art because it allows the artist to express themselves freely without the judgment of others. Everyone should have the freedom to show their beliefs and messages how ever they please.

Esquivel Eden 1A

2/21/2025 07:18:39 pm

Yes, while an artist can express themselves through their art it is difficult to discern as a viewer of their art. It would be more helpful for the artist to have a description of what the peice means.

Castillo V, 6B

2/21/2025 08:41:56 pm

I agree, every graffiti has a different meaning behind the art of it.

Cavazos N 6B

2/21/2025 11:31:41 pm

I agree that art has a message behind it.

Knowles K 1A

2/21/2025 03:46:14 pm

Basquiat was an artist due to him having meaning behind his work, yes people can just go out there and draw whatever but if you don´t have meaning behind what you´re drawing your not a artist in my opinion.

Guzmán X. 6B

2/21/2025 07:41:45 pm

I agree that meaning can make art more powerful, but I think creativity also plays a big role. Even without a clear message, art can still make people feel something. Basquiat’s work stood out because it combined both meaning and raw expression. That’s what made him an artist and why his work still inspires people today.

Sinkfield E, 1A

2/21/2025 09:15:37 pm

Basquiat is a pioneer in his own respect, having a reach decades of artist after his passing.

Devonte James 6B

2/21/2025 03:56:10 pm

Basquiat was a great artist that made a lot of amazing pieces that he would put messages in not all graffiti is bad and it should be considered a form of art because their is nothing else like it

Sinkfield E, 1A

2/21/2025 09:13:48 pm

That’s what makes art so special, that there are standout pieces that essenes may never be copied from.

rivera d 4a

2/21/2025 05:32:32 pm

i think basquiat was a visionary martyr and his graffiti was art because it was done with purpose. beauty can be very subjective.

Emmanuel A 1A

2/21/2025 07:04:32 pm

He was obviously a very good artist regardless of his problems. Graffiti should be considered vandalism depending on where it’s place, for example on private or federal property. It can make it beautiful but it can also destroy something like a statue, which can considered art could be ruined by graffiti. The people should get to decide, however at the end of the day it’s only gonna come down to personal preferences.

Esquivel Eden 1A

2/21/2025 07:15:00 pm

I agree! While graffiti can be beautiful it isn't always appropriate in specific places.

Lopez M 1A

2/21/2025 08:00:03 pm

That’s also another way to look at it. It never occurred to me that by using graffiti it can also ruin another piece of art. Yes it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Castillo V, 6B

2/21/2025 08:40:41 pm

I agree, it can be considered art, but also vandalism because of the place it can be in.

Esquivel Eden 1A

2/21/2025 07:14:00 pm

I see that he is an artist. Graffiti is a form of art and can represent different things. Graffiti is normally placed in places with a lot of empty space to beautify it. The people of the city should decide whether or not Graffiti is messy or classy.

Teniente J. 1A

2/21/2025 10:25:46 pm

I agree people are allowed to freely express themselves as long its not too bad to be seen to the naked eye. Everyone should be allowed to do graffiti as.

Aiyanyo E 3A

2/21/2025 11:56:19 pm

I both agree and disagree since it depends of how you use the graffiti. If you spray pain graffiti on someone's private property without asking permission from them, that is considered vandalism. However, public wall are great ways to express yourself through art.

Guzmán X 6B

2/21/2025 07:40:21 pm

Basquiat started as a graffiti artist and became famous for his unique style. Graffiti can be art when it shares a message or tells a story, but random tagging can seem like vandalism. The question is: Who decides what is art? Sometimes, breaking the rules is part of what makes it powerful.

Lopez M 1A

2/21/2025 07:57:54 pm

Many people may think Basquiat’s art is vandalism but I believe it’s a beautiful way of expressing and weaving hidden messages for the world to find out. Graffiti is art because why shouldn’t it be considered art? Art is just the expression of human imagination and creative skill.

Teniente J. 1A

2/21/2025 10:26:59 pm

People should do more research into artist than assuming that its vandalism and just nonsense when in reality it has a hidden message and supports a cause depending on the situation.

Castillo V, 6B

2/21/2025 08:39:00 pm

In my opinion I think graffiti could be considered art because it may represent a feeling or a thought but in a different way of drawing. It may be considered vandalism if it is place in a space where it is not permitted.

Sinkfield E, 1A

2/21/2025 09:11:44 pm

Basquiat’s work was absolutely influential. If he was able to become an astounding artist from graffiti, that shows that there’s more to graffiti that meets the eye. Art is subjective, meaning that it can mean anything, and in that respect can make it powerful or just another forgotten art piece. Graffiti is one of the most free forms of expression and passion, some of the best work you see on the sides of buildings in urban areas come from graffiti and brighten streets.

Curlee A, 4A

2/21/2025 09:20:30 pm

While I don't personally enjoy Basquiat's art from a visual standpoint, I love his art from artistic standpoint. What his pieces represent is nothing less than amazing, and he showed his work to all of New York. Graffiti as a whole is art, and I am all for it. I understand some circumstances were graffiti might not be acceptable (like peoples houses), but for the most part I find it very pleasing.

Fuentez M , 3A

2/21/2025 09:47:07 pm

To me graffiti is defined as art. Art is a person who draws or find things creative. Art can be in a subject of anything music , drawing, painting, singing ect. In some cases graffiti can be defined as vandalism like writing in the bathroom just for fun . That isn't art but just writing inappropriate words in the bathroom stall. Graffiti makes a space beautiful. Its just creative thoughts being sprayed painted onto a brick wall. Those thoughts mostly makes that space seem more unique more beautiful. There's nothing trashy about beautiful graffiti mural being painted on a brick wall or empty wall. It just depends on who is looking at the art. Old people could find it trashy while younger people find it artistic.

Teniente J. 1A

2/21/2025 10:24:17 pm

I agree with Basquiat's art work and creativity that the man puts into his collection. Creativity is supposed to be expressed among others who really love art or meanings behind them, just because others see it as vandalism or just scribble doesn´t mean others see that. Keeping the art will be better than removing the mans hard work

Luster J 3A

2/21/2025 10:43:22 pm

Obviously Basquiat was a very talented man who didn't get to live through his well deserved fame and talent. It's very apparent that he wasn't a "scribbling saint". His work was loved and appreciated by many and that alone proves his status as an artistic martyr. His work was an informal way to express his unheard feeling, giving him and many others an outlet not most can explore. His graffiti along with many others can significantly beautify a space. But only sometimes graffiti is acceptable to do. It's a beautiful art form when it's in an appropriate space, but could very quickly become vandalism if it's not wanted. There really is no right person to decide what's "trashy" and what's art.

Dilworth Z 6b

2/21/2025 11:54:13 pm

You're right, Basquiat was more than a "scribbling saint"—his work was a powerful expression of his struggles and talent. Graffiti can beautify a space, but it depends on context. It can be art in the right place, but vandalism if not wanted. The line between "trashy" and art is subjective and varies from person to person.

Cavazos N 6B

2/21/2025 11:29:44 pm

Basquiant was an artistic martyr who used art to show his thought-provoking messages. I would consider graffiti art because the person who did the graffiti expressed their creative skills. Graffiti can both make a space beautiful and it ugly, it just depends what the graffiti looks like.

Salazar J 1A

2/21/2025 11:41:37 pm

Basquiat's art shouldnt be recognized as a scribbling saint. Although many view graffiti as something provocative, it is definitely used as a way to send a message. Depending on the area it could beautify it or destroy it. I believe it causes more personality to the area. Wether it is classy or not it is not about what the people think but more of how the artist themselves view it.

Dilworth Z 6b

2/21/2025 11:53:20 pm

I agree, graffiti is more about expression and sending a message than just being "scribbling." It can add personality to an area, depending on context. The artist's perspective matters most—art is subjective, and its value is shaped by the creator’s intent, not just public opinion.

Miles D 4A

2/21/2025 11:49:29 pm

I think that art is subjective and nobody can really give a definition to what it is and what it's not. It all come down to perspective on what people view as art.

Dilworth Z 6B

2/21/2025 11:52:28 pm

Basquiat was both an artistic martyr and a scribbling saint—his raw talent and struggles made him a symbol of genius cut short. Graffiti can be both art and vandalism, depending on perspective—it can beautify or destroy a space, depending on context. As for what’s classy or trashy, it's often decided by those in power or by societal norms, which can be subjective and tied to class and control. Art challenges these lines, making us question who gets to decide.

Aiyanyo E 3A

2/21/2025 11:54:19 pm

Graffiti can be used to symoblize art if used correctly. If you put graffiti on private property without permission, than it could be classified as vandalism. However, Basquiant was a man who wanted to show this creative thoughts through the magic of art.

Jahlil Hawkins 4A

2/25/2025 06:56:38 pm

I agree on other properties it is vandalism but it can be both at the same time sometimes art and vandalism

Rodriguez Y. 1A

2/22/2025 12:00:06 am

Graffiti should be considered art not vandalism. The people who witness the art are the ones that get to decide if the piece is expression and absolute classy. jean Michel expressed himself and although he got carried away by his consumption he represented hope.

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Mixed Ink

Mixed Ink is our class blog, the window into our souls. It was designed to improve students' writing, critical thinking and communication skills by giving them a platform to provide meaningful content based on their interpretation of what they see.

Although the students receive a grade based on a rubric for completing this assignment, they are not graded on complexity of thought. This is a place where students of all levels can freely, confidently and creatively express themselves and their opinions in a nonjudgmental platform. They are required to respond to and critique each other, but degradation, slander, lewdness, etc., will not be tolerated.

Bridge Builders

All subjects are vital to learning, but English is the bridge of communication. So let's build the arch, one word at a time...

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Communicate effectively
Be aware of current events
Write concisely
Boost critical thinking skills
Be accountable
Follow directions
Have a voice about what goes on in the world around you