Graffiti Artists Profiled

First, a disclaimer: I am not a professional profiler. Neither are most of you, I'd guess. But we all do it when we try to understand the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of others. Consider graffiti artists. Their works express a broad range of themes and ideas, employing an equally diverse choice of styles and colors. What motives might they have for confronting the public with their art, usually on public or private property?

On the surface these people appear to be narcissists. Much graffiti is little more than a stylized, personal logo or name, an extension of the initials carved into school desks or scrawled on bathroom walls. Notice me, I was here, they shout. Narcissists are known to engage in risky behavior. I have seen graffiti on lofty water towers and on sheer cliffs. Breaking the law is just one more thrilling risk. Narcissists impose themselves on others, demanding attention and priority. Graffiti artists clearly place higher importance on their personal drive to create than on the rights, property and feelings of others. Gaining a wide audience seems to be the goal, because their canvas of choice is often a train or truck. Graffiti appears to be an assertion of power and self-confidence, literally making and leaving ones mark.

Narcissists are widely misunderstood. They appear to be egotists, hogging all the attention and insisting on their own way. In fact, many narcissists are over-compensating for deep feelings of powerlessness and worthlessness, often planted in early childhood. Failing to get the love and attention of parents, suffering failed friendships, or experiencing other early disappointments can impel the adult to act important, successful, and worthy of adulation. But it’s only a charade to conceal self-doubt and isolation, from others and from themselves. Though pretending to be stars, narcissists seek companionship from people who won’t eclipse their glory or their opposite, people from whom the narcissist can gain glory by association.

Couldn’t this describe graffiti artists? They defy authority, but hide anonymously in the shadows. They create bold images, but won’t claim ownership. They face danger, but avoid the risk faced by serious artists, the risk of rejection and failure.