Guerrillas Can Paint?

Before I begin my blog, my sincerest apologies to Ms. Valentino for the pun that was begging to made.

During the week, we read three articles concerning the debate about Charging Bull and Fearless Girl and whether or not Fearless Girl had a right to be in the premises of Charging Bull. What we didn't talk about, however, was the fact that Charging Bull is a piece of guerrilla art.  For those that aren't familiar with the style, guerrilla art is street art usually made to change a certain culture or mindset exhibited by the community or area where it is located. Most artists don't consider art on a canvas or art that is movable to be guerrilla art; they feel as if the art needs to be permanent or expanded upon in its original area. Taking this into consideration, let's examine what Charging Bull was created for. In 1987, a global stock market crash occurred, causing "stock markets everywhere ... [to] tank." With morale low and people dreading the time to come, Arturo Di Modica created the 7000 pound sculpture to represent the tenacity and perseverance of the American People. Remember, however, that guerrilla art isn't meant for people to sit around and enjoy the work; it is meant to create change. After the piece of art was strategically placed in the Financial District, all those directly involved with the stock market crash received something: hope. Di Modica wanted to remind Americans that they were able to get out of this recession and become the nation of power they were known for. In this way, guerrilla art is actually quite selfless - it's created for society. The fact that many appropriate this bull for a symbol of corporate greed is quite ridiculous, as it was never created to instill such an effect. This might be the most amazing thing about art; it can be interpreted in any way someone may see fit. I would, however, hope that you would refrain from perverting the meaning of this specific piece of art. Functioning as a symbol of American society itself, it should be regarded as no more and no less than something to be inspired by - no matter which way you take it.