Mystery of Graffiti: Rebellion, Street Art and Governance Tools

This book offers an in-depth look at the development, social significance, and role of graffiti in China’s local culture. By examining the graffiti phenomenon in Xiamen University's Furong Tunnel, it uncovers the multifaceted contexts and meanings behind graffiti as a complex social and cultural phenomenon. The main theme is the transformation of graffiti in China from rebellious street art to a tool for urban governance and beautification by authorities and capital. This shift reflects China's unique socio-cultural background and highlights the interactions and conflicts among various stakeholders. Using literature review, field observation, and in-depth interviews, the book explores the multiple roles and meanings of graffiti in China. Firstly, it delves into the definition and historical evolution of graffiti. In the West, graffiti evolved from marginalized youth signatures to street art. In China, graffiti is often associated with government and capital collaboration, used to beautify urban landscapes and for official propaganda. Despite strict scrutiny and lack of political implications, graffiti thrives in public spaces, manifesting collective action over individual expression. Secondly, the book examines graffiti's dual role in urban governance. It is seen both as vandalism symbolizing urban decay and as artistic creativity revitalizing spaces and attracting tourists. The book highlights graffiti's positive role in urban renewal and tourism, noting local government support and sponsorship for urban beautification and promotion. The book also discusses graffiti in local collective memory and public spaces, using the Furong Tunnel as an example. It shows how graffiti transformed the tunnel from a functional passageway into a popular spot with local collective memory, beautifying the environment and fostering interactions between students and visitors. The book analyzes how graffiti shapes the sense of place, becoming a local cultural identifier and connecting cultural landmarks.