I Hope...

It’s purported that people, especially children and adolescents, use vandalism (graffiti) as a means to vent.  I know in my area there are numerous art students who use it to make a name for themselves. All of this is common sense, but it doesn’t make it any easier to live with, specifically when people desecrate the artwork of true visionaries.

Baltimore has its share of vandals destroying murals, sculptures, historic buildings, etc., and it’s nothing short of frustrating, and at times, sad. I often see the word, "tattoo" spray painted throughout the city, everywhere it shouldn’t be and it doesn’t make me happy. I want this artist-wannabe to be caught!

With most graffiti, the more I look at it, and the more photos I take, I’m thinking I’ll be less inclined to loathe what is so misunderstood. I can’t deny my intrigue and it has intensified over time, as my collection of photos proves. Stare long enough at these electrified painted canvasses and be seduced by their allure.

There are so many emotions to feel and ponder at both ends of the spectrum. Anyone can find happiness, joy and ecstasy, and sadness, grief and despair all in the same work. At times I feel like an archaeologist deciphering hieroglyphics. And, I am always vigilant in searching for those true artists with a gifted hand, painting with purpose and conviction, and, yes, they are out there waiting to be noticed and appreciated.

Tuesday, I was on my way home from downtown and decided to take a detour from my usual walk up Charles Street. This time around I opted for lurid alleyways, and congested viaducts.

What really motivated my curiosity was life down under. I heard a train beneath the bridge I was walking over, which had me recalling my monthly trips to Washington, DC and the graffiti I would see in the tunnels. That was where I wanted to be – in the tunnels.

This was no easy task (scaling a fence and a brick wall), but eventually I found myself under the JFX (Jones Falls Expressway) walking along the train tracks and underpasses. It was crazy scary cool, and I enjoyed every minute of what was challenging.

There was more than graffiti to see. The number of people living under the expressway surprised me. The debris alone was staggering. And of course, I saw the typical stray cat and scurrying rodent, used syringes and condoms, and sadly, baby clothes, children’s schoolbooks, games, appliances, etc. It was horrific, devastating to my soul. It was in that moment I counted my blessings, thankful for the small things life affords me.

With this walk I realized I could live with graffiti. I won’t always like where it’s located, but I can endure. Homelessness, despair, and filth are another story. At the end of the day, I had only one question, how do we mend a broken society, particularly the one so removed from our lives, so invisible behind the graffiti of our busy world? It’s not an easy task anymore, especially with the manipulation and corruption in politics.

I can understand people losing hope. That’s why it’s so crucial for all of us to champion the cause of those that have been weakened and betrayed. Here’s to never losing that glimmer of HOPE, because when all is lost I still want to believe at the end of the day in that most precious commodity.

I hope graffiti artists will make better choices. I hope humankind has a true healing. I hope... – paerki