A Wagga resident says the lack of legal graffiti walls and a negative community perception has “stifled” his passion as a professional graffiti artist.
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Jon, who wished to withhold his last name due to fear of public backlash, has completely given up on graffiti art after 20 years, since moving to Wagga a year ago.
“I feel stuck in this rut where I can’t do my art which makes me no longer want to try,” Jon said.
“If I was living in Sydney I would feel more comfortable pushing the subject and would regularly paint but there seems to be a real closed mindedness toward the arts.”
Jon, along with 13-year-old budding graffiti artist Scott Vidler, has called for a legal graffiti wall in Wagga.
“I recognise that everyone has a problem with tagging – it’s unrefined, messy and is criminal damage to other people’s property,” Jon said.
“When you introduce legal walls or somewhere for people to paint it gives kids like Scott an opportunity to develop their skills.”
While Jon admits a legal wall will not stop illegal tagging, he said it was a positive place to start.
“People could spend six hours painting something worthwhile rather than spending two hours looking over their shoulders illegally spraying,” he said.
“A lot of these kids could go on to study fine art and design.
“You won’t get that if you try and stifle it.”
Wagga MP Daryl Maguire said he was not opposed to graffiti walls, but outlined a clear distinction between artists and vandals.
“I am not against tasteful, managed and appropriate art works but I am opposed to graffiti defacing and devaluing the community,” Mr Maguire said.
“Tasteful works in the right place, with the right infrastructure, can really enhance the environment.”
Jon suggested a graffiti wall for Cadell Place, tucked away behind the Fitzmaurice Street shopping precinct.
