Graffiti is removed from a building in South Boston.
(David L. Ryan/ Globe Staff/ File 2008)
Globe Editorial
THE BEST way to combat vandalism is on vivid display on walls in several Boston neighborhoods. From paintings of colorful cultural scenes in Jamaica Plain to a mural of open books along the Neponset River Greenway, public art in Greater Boston has transformed walls that were once targets for taggers and graffiti artists.
Taggers generally steer clear of walls with murals, says Julie Burns, the city’s arts and tourism director, who also oversees its two mural crews. “Most graffiti artists consider themselves just that - artists,’’ she said. “Out of respect for other artists, they won’t do it.’’
Boston’s crackdown on graffiti artists has been bolstered by neighborhood associations bent on putting vandals behind bars. In February, Boston police arrested celebrity artist Shepard Fairey just as his exhibition opened at the Institute of Contemporary Art. On Thursday, a judge sentenced Danielle Bremner, who spray-painted her moniker “Utah’’ in Back Bay alleyways and on trains in an East Boston railyard, to six months in jail. In both cases, neighborhood groups expressed the hope that punishment would discourage other would-be taggers.
Those groups should also rally behind the proven deterrent of public art. If public art is championed by neighborhoods and supported by the city and private donors, it can change places that attract vandals into places that inspire respect.
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
