Graffiti and urban art irritates and delights. It is perceived as vandalism or exquisite design and creativity.
It enhances waste lands, derelict buildings and retail and commercial properties. Sometimes a mural covers 10 floors of the side of a building. Urban art prompts wonder and excitement at the purity of design and the spirit and ingenuity of the artists. Or it is seen as vandalizing and defiling public, private and pristine spaces.
The Writing on the Wall is a strikingly designed collection of 200 urban art images taken in nine countries. The art is accompanied by poems on 'downtown themes' by Nancy Daoust and Joey Scarfone.