Vandalism — or Art? Graffiti in the Forest City

Love it or hate it, there's something beguiling about graffiti.

Perhaps it's because the word itself is from the Italian word "graffiato" ("scratched") and the Greek "γράφειν," defined as "to write." How could writing — man's earliest form of expression and communication — be considered vile?

Or could it be that those who create street art are rarely seen? Who are these spray-can wielding folks? Angry teens? Gang members? Vigilante artists? We see their remains — empty, rusting cans of RustOleum or Krylon, their junk food wrappers — and conjure up images of these painters of the night.

And unless you're Banksy, most likely you're regarded as a vandal by many in the community.

The following photographs were taken throughout Middletown, mostly under railroad overpasses, some in abandoned, junk-filled areas, others in verdant forestland accompanied by the pleasant sound of a babbling brook.

Tell us what you think — art or vandalism?

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