Is it art or a crime?

[Teuthida]

http://ny.metro.us/metro/local/article/Is_it_art_or_a_crime/2221.html

I saw this story on the news this morning but didn't realize it was kids from my school till now. Plus Marc Ecko is accused of staging this to promote his game. Good thing I'm old enough to buy broad tipped markers to my heart's content.

[Professor S]

The answer is quite simple:

If the art is sanctioned by the rightful owner of the property that it appears on, its legal.

If not, its still art, but it is a crime.

As for the law banning youth from owning spray paint and markers under age 21, that is an abuse of power and the law, but its not against the 1st amendment.

Just because you own paint and markers doesn't mean that you are going to create illegal graffiti with them. They are tool that can be used for many things besides illegal activities and anyone has the right to own them and have them on their person.

[DimHalo]

I like what the Prof said... I would have to agree with that.

[GameMaster]

It's always art. Just make sure it's on your own canvas or a canvas you've been granted to make art on.

[MuGen]

I agree with GM

[MrCoffee]

tagging is not art....drawing pictures and doing soemthing other than a tag can be considered art...

[Jonbo298]

If the law gives a general description saying "Anything done on public property without the permission of the owner" is deemed illegal, then its a crime even if its the best art ever. Sometimes exceptions are made but its not often that happens

[Krypton]

I like what the Prof said... I would have to agree with that.

Ditto.

It is art, but it's a crime.