Graffiti art

So, not so shockingly, graffiti artist Shepard Fairey, of Obey Giant and Obama poster fame, was arrested in Boston (reason unknown, but suspected reason is vandalism [in the form of graffiti]).  I believe this is his 16th arrest.  The article said that there was much protesting occurring from anti-graffiti groups regarding his upcoming show... which prompted me to wonder:

Who joins an anti-graffiti group?

Honestly... whether you think graffiti is a brilliant form of self-expression and civil disobedience, or ugly and a pain in the butt to clean up, at what point do you care so much one way or another to join an anti-graffiti group, or make anti-graffiti websites?

I decided to find out, so I read the first anti-graffiti website to pop up on google.  Mostly I found it whiny and filled with misplaced priorities (if the kids that are doing the tagging are really in trouble, why not worry about the underlying causes of drugs, gangs, and poor educational systems in the regions?!?).  But as a [former] artist, I took most offense to the notion that art in the graffiti style, but legally presented on free walls or inside museums, should be protested, since it sets a "bad example" for children.

Honestly, troll the Louvre one day to see some "bad examples" that are most certainly considered art, and that these anti-graffiti activists will most certainly appreciate.  Prostitution, political corruption, drunkenness, slavery... all represented in the majority of "fine art" museums.  The real reason these people do not want the "graffiti-style" artwork hanging in their museums is that it is not of their taste.  And there is no accounting for taste.

Which is why I propose the following experiment for anyone who is bored and owns a paintbrush or spray can:

Paint traditional artwork illegally in alleys and under bridges (please refrain from ruining anyone's business in this troubled economy though!) and observe the public reaction.  Here are some samples of what to paint:

(top to bottom: Fragonard, Gainsborough, Monet, Kinkade*)

*The first three will not sue you for reproducing their paintings... however I make no guarantees about Thomas Kinkade.  That said, illegally painting his oh so cozy landscapes would fill me with such subversive joy.