Photo Slide Show: A Look at Local Graffiti
Whether you call it street art or vandalism, graffiti is still a major display in modern times
Regardless of one's opinion of it, graffiti has been a part of human history for thousands of years, despite being a crime punishable by law.
From cave paintings in prehistoric times to Roman soldiers on Hadrian's Wall, graffiti has been and arguably always will be a mainstay of self-expression.
With this in mind, here are some photos of local graffiti in Mansfield. Painted on frieght cars near the local commuter station, these works have seen much of America, and vise versa. Though they have been viewed, hated and/or appreciated by many people, the artists will never be recognized, unless they want to admit to a crime.
In these photos, one can see that much of the graffiti is very old, as some of them are dated in the corner of the freight car. Initials are sometimes also given.
Even now, some graffiti artists are gaining notority in the art world. Artists like the well-known yet anonymous Bansky and presidential portrait artist Shepard Fairey show that one can be known for street art.
Check out Exit Through the Gift Shop for a more extensive and in-depth look at graffiti and the lives and motivations of street artists.
HJ
12:02 pm on Saturday, March 26, 2011
I love Mansfield as much as anyone, but this graffiti makes our town look low-rent. I'm glad someone washed over the swastikas and the male genitalia graffiti on the Rumford Ave building near the train station.
Justin Kane
1:55 pm on Saturday, March 26, 2011
I recently visited Banksy's latest work in Boston. Exit Through the Gift Shop was pretty incredible.
Neil Rhein
2:20 pm on Sunday, March 27, 2011
I believe graffiti in Mansfield detracts from the town's appearance. While these railcars are hidden from most people's view, the building behind the Winthrop Street lots makes Mansfield look like Fort Apache, the Bronx. Keep Mansfield Beautiful is committed to removing graffiti, especially in the downtown area. We were behind the recent removal of some offensive graffiti near the train station, but there is much more to do. And for those who oppose the idea of a tastefully painted mural on route 106, just look at the fresh splotches of red paint near the train station staircase for a glimpse of how this area will look in the future. Graffiti artists like nothing better than a blank canvas. Anyone interested in joining our cause can visit www.keepmansfieldbeautiful.org or email beautify@mansfieldma.com.
Michael
2:06 pm on Monday, March 28, 2011
I agree with you Neil. BTW your site address is
http://www.keepmansfieldbeautiful.com/
Neil Rhein
12:02 pm on Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Oops! Yes, Keep Mansfield Beautiful is at www.keepmansfieldbeautiful.com. Sign up for the 4th annual Great American Cleanup of Mansfield by April 15th.