Graffiti Exists as both an Art and a Tool of Education

Abstract

Graffiti are created from the creator aspirations towards a specific social issue surrounding the community and it has become an integral visual aspect of a city. As a phenomenon, aside from being accepted or not, graffiti can be deemed as an artwork when its viewers understand its message, using the surrounding as a frame, creating a living gallery. One of this gallery can be observed at Kampung Babakan, Tanggerang, Indonesia.

Kampung Babakan is situated side by side with a modern residential complex with modern infrastructure. The social divide however prevents residents of Kampung Babakan to enjoy these modern infrastructures. Kampung Babakan residents have a very low education rate which in turn prevents the residents to acquire higher quality living standards and they realized that education is the pathway to a better future.

The main research topic is how graffiti as an artwork can be optimized as an educational tool and motivates children to study by utilizing the available spaces on vacant walls, and other flat media available in the immediate area. The research will be done through phenomenological approach, participation method, direct observation, field visit, reference studies, and study case analysis.

The graffiti artwork revolved around educational theme, spanned into several topics, consisting mainly of math and language. With them being placed on strategic location, graffiti can become a tool to build positive social interaction. Not only it is an outlet for youth aspirations and creativity, graffiti can be beneficial to its viewers. In the end, graffiti is accepted as a beneficial artwork, by introducing basic education, while motivating the resident's children to go to school, and beautifies the environment at the same time.

Key words: graffiti, education, social interaction.