Colourful street art which has appeared on an underpass on the outskirts of a Suffolk town has sparked a debate about whether provisions should be made for it to become a feature elsewhere in the area.
The work, which is in a variety of colours and designs, has been painted on the B1113 Newton Road heading north out of Stowmarket, underneath the A14, by a street artist.
Its appearance has split opinions on the EADT’s social media website Streetlife.
One user questioned whether it was “racially-motivated vandalism” because of the use of what it has been claimed are swastikas in one of the pieces.
However, other users, including Mid Suffolk District councillor John Matthissen, were quick to give differing opinions on the work, with Mr Matthissen pointing out that the swastika predated Nazi Germany.
Yesterday, Mr Matthissen said: “The swastika with the four dots is particularly distinguished.
“It was also rather well-executed compared to a racist daub.”
Other users have asked whether the underpasses could be brightened up with scenes of country living, while others asked whether there could be somewhere street artists could be creative. Streetlife user Mari-elaine H said: “Much rather see something arty than a smashed up phone box or pile of rubbish.”
Another user, Lyn H, had a differing opinion, commenting: “Sorry, but I feel that no matter how happy the ‘art’ is (definitely not swastikas) it’s still in the wrong place. One may feel the artistic muse coming on, but defacing public property just isn’t on, is it?
“It’s inappropriate as it’s in the wrong place on someone else’s property. I expect it will be cleaned off at the taxpayers’ expense. Dull and boring, I know, but that’s how society works.”
Stowmarket town councillor Gareth Betts-Davies said he hoped ‘not to uncover the real intention of the graffiti artist, adding: “(I) am sure they will feel satisfied by these responses. If only all art was so rich.”
Speaking yesterday, Mr Matthissen added: “Is it improving or detracting from the area?
“It’s clearly different to random graffiti, which is not welcome, and having said that there is a place for it and there are a number of large blank pieces of concrete in places that are not centrally in the town, and they are probably, on balance, not harmful at all.
“Then the issue of quality comes in. Some of the graffiti one sees out is quite artistic.
“Banksy is very often political – this doesn’t appear to be particularly political – more artistic expression.
“There are places in the town where it might be welcome with permission of the building owner.
“Who knows – perhaps we’ll start a project to do work on one or two walls that could be improved.”
What do you make of the street art? Email newsroom@archant.co.uk
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