Graffiti and street art are two art forms that have become mainstream in the past few years. Places like 5 pointz have helped spread the word and made these art forms socially accepted. Since it has closed it has influenced many artists and places all over the city.

Graffiti has been around since the 1970’s and has left its mark in society. Street art and graffiti have often been categorized as the same thing but that isn’t the case. Some of the best street artists first started out as graffiti artists.

“Graffiti is the major influence in “street art”.  Street art evolved out of the continued harsh crackdown on graffiti.” says Gregory Snyder, assistant professor of sociology at Baruch College and Author of Graffiti Lives

“Graffiti is the most purist art form that just started from nothing. Street artists are just interlopers.” says Chris Red, former graffiti artist from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

5 pointz started back in 1993 originally under the name Phun Phactory. This was an open free space where artists from all over the world came to showcase their work and remove the negative connotation associated with graffiti.

The Long Island City warehouse got its name because it originally brought artists from all five boroughs . It was a place of gathering that brought so many different people together.

“A lot of nice work has been there. I respect it but it is not the original forte of graffiti.” says Site, born Donato White of Gravesend, New York speaking on 5 pointz.

Since the closing of 5 pointz there hasn’t been much of a change in the graffiti or street art world. Throughout the city there are different works of art plastered all over.

“The affect on graffiti when five points closed was minimal.  Life went on as before.” Says Gregory Snyder

Life did go on after the closing of the LIC warehouse. The Houston Bowery wall is one of the few places in New York allows artists to express themselves. People get lost in the artwork. It is wonderfully executed and vibrant in color.

Williamsburg resident Mallory Levy agrees, “It’s a beautiful distraction. I go on my lunch break sometimes just to see if there is anything new on the wall”

The Houston Bowery wall is a privately owned wall in which the curator Jeffery Ditech and the Goldman family ask an artist to decorate the wall. The artist has complete artistic freedom when it comes to the design.

“story of my life” by Logan Hicks at the Houston Bowery Wall

New York isn’t the only place that has its own wall for artists to come and decorate. In Los Angeles, California there is a wall that artists are given permission to showcase their works.

Graffiti and Street art have become so accepted in today’s society. There isn’t one post on your newsfeed on Instagram or Snapchat that you haven’t seen some sort of art.

“It has become so mainstream. I just don’t want the art to lose meaning because everyone wants to do it or thinks they can do it.” says Mallory Levy

Soho and Chinatown are plastered with multiple works of art. The best part is that there is no one piece that looks the same. Each and everyone has their own unique twist and story behind it.

“Graffiti is great because it can make a place more cultured and you can really understand the artists perspective” says Baruch college student Christine Fong

Places like 5 pointz and the Houston Bowery wall have allowed artist to not only gain recognition but also sometimes make a profit. Although the original origin of graffiti was not about making a profit but about creative expression.

Donato also known as Site says “You can’t put a price tag on graffiti and if you do you’re a sellout”

Chris interjects his opinion as well by saying “Street artists are taking from us just to make millions and it is not right” Chris and Donato have been doing graffiti together since they were teenagers.

Although some artists are making a profit it doesn’t mean that everyone will. Just like all renowned artists you have to be good at what you do. Banksy and Keith Haring are some of the most well know street artists and it is because they are creating works of art all the time

“only the best writers, or the most “expressive” artists receive those opportunities” says professor Synder, “Graffiti is the most significant American art movement since pop art”

Although 5 pointz has been gone for 3 years now graffiti and street art are still making this already colorful city into a beautiful work of art.