In an attempt to further curb the prevalence of graffiti and its supposed associated anti-social behaviour – and with a soaring annual clean-up bill at a state and local level of $25 million per annum – the state government are introducing even tougher anti-graffiti laws.
This time though they’re going after those who sell graffiti implements and tools, imposing tough penalties on the sale of such items to minors. How tough exactly? Initial fines of $6000. Thereafter? Doubled to $12,000 for every consequent sale to a minor.
The concern, however, is the wording of the new Bill, which has been passed in the Lower House and is currently under consideration in the Upper. Cans of spray paint are covered, naturally. But it’s the inclusion of ‘pen(s), marker pen(s), or similar implement(s), (that) has a tip over 6 mm wide and that contain a fluid that is not water soluble and that is capable of marking a surface’ that has people worried.
With such a broad definition, it seems crayons, fabric makers and other such art tools could essentially become illegal to sell to any minor in the state of WA, irrespective of whether that minor is a street artist or has a school project.
‘What is of concern is the next generation (of street artists),’ ‘who may lag years behind in skills in what is a potentially very viable career,’ explained Aimee Johns, owner of graffiti specialist retail outlet The Butcher Shop. ‘We have to make sure there are safe guards in place for legitimate users who have every right to buy and use these products.
‘We would like to see the Liberal Government adhere to their pre-election promise of exemptions for educational and employment purposes. And it’s far from just the street art scene who will be impacted. If we take my example, I moved from my country town at 16 to study design in Perth. This would have significantly impacted me – we can’t assume every young person is able to get a parent to buy these products for them.’
Johns main concern is that the banning of sales to minors may result in an increase in more destructive forms of graffiti vandalism. ‘Whilst solid statistics are hard to come by, it is thought that banning spray cans in SA lead to an increase in scratching and etching, as did the removal of legal walls in WA during the Court government. I don’t think anyone truly believes this will help to reduce graffiti vandalism.’
For Stormie – a street artist who has made a legitimate, successful career out of his graffiti and who helped implement legal spray spaces in the ’90s – the news laws seem to disadvantage the young. ‘I don’t feel this is a good thing in general,’ he explained.
‘I don’t think (the laws will) have much effect other than further criminalise young artists. It’s interesting the objection to these laws is driven by retailers, when the “dusk till dawn” law was brought in nobody cared & the amount of young artists that now have criminal records as a result of this law is probably a pretty staggering statistic!
‘To suggest that carrying a lipstick is a criminal offence is hyperbole that makes me question the motives of the objections, so it seems that in all the arguing for & against once again its artists & young people that will really be the ones to suffer further.’
Monster and Psyche are two such young street artists whom the bill will affect. Both were unable to attend the October 13 Paint in Protest rally, organised by Johns and held on the steps of parliament, due to school commitments. However, both have concerns how these new laws – if passed – may affect their blossoming careers.
‘These new laws will seriously impact Perth’s up and coming young artists,’ expressed Monster. ‘The graffiti implements they are planning on banning the sale of to minors are not just used for vandalism, the majority will use such equipment for artistic purposes. If we are not able to buy art supplies then the future for Perth street art looks very bland, and colourless.’
‘It is definitely not going to stop anyone, and most certainly not me,’ added Psyche. ‘All you need is a bit of felt, any shaped bottle and some ink, or rather wood stainer, and you are all set. It’s going to become like alcohol and cigarettes… any under aged person knows you can go up to any second man and ask them to purchase it for you, if the people in the shops reject you after you falsely try. Either that or EBay.’
Interested in weighing in on the debate or checking out the proposed law yourself? Then visit www.thinkfirstwa.info for a list of resources and commentary.
