REVOLUTION: Graffiti making its way indoors

For a long time, graffiti, which has generally been associated with protest messages, was shunned by most people and was found mostly in public places. However, in the recent past it has gained ting acceptance and is gradually  finding its way into private spaces.  Indeed some graffiti artists told DN2 that they had worked several projects in private homes.

“Tagging, or graffiti as we know it, is interesting and visually appealing. Choose the location wisely and consider the traffic in the house. If you choose the living room, for instance, make sure the graffiti is the first thing a visitor sees when the enter,” says Mr  Jeremiah Mutembei, a freelance interior architect.

For a good start to the day, he suggests, one might decide to have a graphic, lively photo. For instance, a house designed for a young couple from New York living in Nairobi,  had a picture of New York City drawn on the living room wall.

However, it is up to an individual to determine the best spot for his/her graffiti.

So, are there any restrictions to where you can have graffiti at home?

Mr Eric Muriithi, a graffiti artist, says: “There is always something I can do with every unit of the house.”

However, he notes that  the living room should have artwork that enlivens it, adding that bright colours are ideal for creating a focal point.

“For the bedroom, something utopic will work. The bedroom is the most ideal place for  couples to project their feelings towards each other on the wall. They could consider something comic-themed to spruce up their relationship,” says Mr Muriithi. 

PROPERTY VALUE

Thrilled  that graffiti is slowly finding its way to framed artwork, the indoors and even  tiles, Mr Muriithi says it is fine to have graffiti in one’s home as long as it’s positive and beautiful.

Meanwhile, Mr Mutembei says that graffiti should be used sparingly to avoid monotony.

“Entry hall graffiti sets the tone for the rest of the house and as such, it should be inviting,”  he says, adding that since kids love bright colours, they can have images of their favourite cartoon characters in their bedroom. However, scary or sexually explicit art s should be avoided.

Graffiti can also be used to light up a house. “When natural light is limited, you can use graffiti in dark spaces to brighten up your room. Bright yellow, purple and blue hues pop well against neutral walls,” says Mr Muriithi

But while home owners have the liberty of using this art form, what about those living in rented  houses?

Dr Jack Mwimali, a senior law lecturer at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, says that irrespective of the kind of  tenancy agreement in force, a tenant has the right to have graffiti in his/her house, as long as he/she  has paid rent and met his or her part of the bargain.

“There are two types of covenants in property ownership— express and implied. Under express, the tenant and the landlord agree on the terms of use of the property. Therefore, if the agreement allows graffiti  in the house, then the tenant can go ahead and have them. If both parties are silent about it, it is understood that the law permits it. This is referred to as implied covenant,” he offers.

However, he notes that this is subject to the condition that the tenant should not do anything that diminishes  the value of the property, and that the right to receive the property at the end of the tenancy by the landlord in good condition is observed.

Mr Muriithi says graffiti is not the preserve of the rich,  adding that he charges a minimum  of Sh25,000, but this can increase depending on the nature of work involved.