Photo Slide Show: A Look at Local Graffiti

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.