anti-graffiti graffiti Options

[Divergent Realit...]

not porn

A POLITICAL stunt to remove graffiti has come under police investigation after it was revealed that the graffiti was, in fact, a commissioned artwork.

Canberra Liberal MP Steve Pratt, who has run a campaign against vandalism, spent four hours cleaning graffiti from a concrete bridge in Woden on Saturday, calling the artwork an "obnoxious piece of vivid graffiti vandalism".

However, it emerged late yesterday that Mr Pratt's efforts had destroyed a mural artwork commissioned by a local sporting club.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said the matter would be referred to the police for investigation.

"Legal mural sites ... help reduce anti-social activity and create opportunities for graffiti artists to display their skill legally and constructively," Mr Stanhope said.

"Whether or not a particular piece of art is attractive or engaging will always be a matter for individual taste.

"In his eagerness to thump the law-and-order tub, it seems that Mr Pratt may have joined the ranks of those he so consistently reviles - the vandals of our community."

It is understood the artist contacted the ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services when he became aware his artwork had been scrubbed away.

He has asked for an apology.

way to go public avenger.