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The term "fine art" is elusive. We hear it used to describe the visual arts, such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, more recently photography. The term fine art is also used to distinguish purely aesthetic and conceptual design from practical or applied art, such as ceramics and textiles. Another nuance to the term implies that the artist has been formally trained rather than self-taught.

That leads me to "not so fine" art...non-traditional or alternative art forms. Ironically, some of these forms have a longer tradition than "fine art". Think cave-paintings and early way finding inscriptions (like pointing the way to the nearest brothel in Ephesus), way before the Renaissance.

Starting with Graffiti...like pornography, you know it when you see it. It provokes commentary and questions. Art or vandalism?   Subversive, criminal or commissioned?      

We witness graffiti in our cities, on our subways, and in hard to reach places. We've reacted in many ways...eyesores, urban blight, defacement, political propaganda, narcissistic attention-seeking, territoriality, and fame (or infamy depending on your viewpoint). And, sometimes even with marvel and appreciation.      

Much is written about this phenomenon and campaigns to eradicate it. Museum and galleries have explored this visual art form and its path from the street into private collections and to public and private commissioned projects.

More Photos: Flickr 

Future issue wll explore

Outsider Art.