An examination of the cultural and historic phenomenon of graffiti artwork in Emory exhibit

"Graffiti: A Library Guide to Aerosol Art" is on view at the Emory Library through January 2023. (Courtesy of: Emory Libraries)

The graffiti art scene in Atlanta is tremendous, though it comes with controversy under Georgia law. Graffiti is a form of vandalism created without consent, so what defines graffiti art versus vandalism? A new exhibition at Emory University’s Rose Library investigates the medium’s culture, aesthetic and historical phenomenon. “Graffiti: A Library Guide to Aerosol Art” is on view through Jan. 2023.

Randy Gue is the assistant director of collection development and curator of political, cultural and social movements collections at Emory University. He joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom for a conversation about this controversial field of art.

Interview highlights: