An entire underground community exists for graffiti artists, as the majority of the abstract designs they create are featured on public property. Through online message boards and conversations hidden within the art, this community spreads out globally and has caught the attention of more than the local police. Calling themselves "urban artists," they generally abide by their own set of rules which includes prohibiting the defacing of private homes and garages, religious signs and buildings, graveyards, small businesses and cars.
Typically, the type of graffiti that tends to be vulgar or offensive and strays onto private property is gang-motivated or thoughtlessly sprayed by a kid. Referred to as "tagging," this type of graffiti lends no artistic value to the public. On the other hand, when the spray-painted work is rich with color, original in design and all-encompassing within its landscape, beckoning us to stand back in curiosity and awe -- this is art.
The content of abstract art is essentially design-motivated. With no clear-cut agenda beyond recreating shapes and symbols in an entirely personalized language, the abstract artist prefers to dodge realism and focus on building his own style, or "mark." The meaning of his work can indeed have personal or political objectives, but it is not spelled out in any literal fashion. Through the use of stencils, intricate linear patterns, or layers of colors and shapes, the abstract artist constantly pushes the envelope of originality.
Graffiti artists also create paintings on canvas within their own studios. Over the years, this art form has drawn a lot of attention to purveyors of fine art, oftentimes calling for private, commissioned work. While it's a great opportunity to be able to purchase work from these artists, it is perhaps not as thrilling as witnessing the high-energy, strategic efforts of their giant flaunted public pieces.