The urban landscape of Durban showcases a captivating fusion of architecture, graffiti, and the surrounding environment. While graffiti infuses vibrancy into these urban spaces, it often exists as an unsanctioned practice. This unsanctioned status contributes to the prevailing perception of illegality associated with this art form. Acknowledging the intricate interplay between these elements and the diverse public opinions surrounding graffiti, this paper delves into the clandestine yet overt expressions of Durban’s graffiti artists on city walls. This research aims to investigate how these artists navigate the intricate web of ownership and spatial boundaries when presenting their art in public domains. To guide this inquiry, the paper is framed around a central research question: How do graffiti artists in Durban reconcile the conflicting dynamics of spatial boundaries and (il)legality in their practice? Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study adopts the snowball sampling technique to identify and engage with five graffiti artists actively contributing to the urban art scene in Durban. Qualitative data collected from these artists was then subjected to thematic analysis. One significant finding emerging from this study is a gradual shift in the prevailing perception of graffiti as an illegal activity. This transformation is evidenced by an increasing acceptance among space custodians, who are more willing to offer their walls as temporal canvases for public displays of graffiti.

Authors:
Kehinde Adewumi, Durban University of Technology, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Kehinde Adewumi is a University Postdoctoral Fellow or Instructor at Durban University of Technology in South Africa

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