The Right to the City: The Art of Graffiti in Berlin & Trenton

Abstract

The purpose of my paper is underline the importance of graffiti in our international and urban culture with a focus in Berlin and Trenton. For a long time it has been stigmatized and viewed as something damaging to our society. Through an ethnographic approach, I have learned to understand that this art form is meant to be provocative. Its purpose is not only to stir up dialogue about sensitive information but also to beautify decayed spaces. It has become a tradition in the disappearing cities.