For as long as the concept of petty rebellion has existed, so too has the idea of vandalism. For as long as stubby, prepubescent fingers have had access to spray paint cans and paint markers, vandalism has been kept alive. But not many people know about the history of vandalism before it became what it is today, even though the original intention behind acts of vandalism have been the same (albeit more dire in nature) throughout the years. 

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The phrase “vandalism” was first used to describe the destruction and erasure of French art during the French Revolution. The word–coined by Henry Gregoire–was inspired by the Vandals, a group of Germanic people who roamed and ransacked what is now modern day Poland. The usage of this term coupled with the harbored feelings of the commoners during the Revolution were the true spark behind the vandalism wildfire that would spread across the minds of artists and voiceless people alike. 

Now, vandalism can be found festering in the hearts of artists around the world, creeping up on cruel pavement and “destroying” that which was intended to stay pristine. Critics of vandalism often point to its invasive and physically destructive nature; however, those who enjoy peeking into the creative chasm of an artist’s mind allude to vandalism’s harmless and empowering nature. By giving people a means of expression at the cost of perfection, does vandalism truly destroy? Or does it improve upon blank canvases, and help bring power to those in the dark? 

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