Democratic Art (Photo:Fatima Najm)

Modern Graffiti, originated in 1960s, is a form of art and expression and creates beauty and color in the most alienating areas.

It is often criticised because of its nature of being bold and unconventional piece of art seen in public places, such as walls, subways, without getting property owner`s permission.

Still, some like the idea as it is full of expression, which is no different from freedom of speech or ideas. It depicts democratic art.



In 2004, the Keep Britain Tidy campaign issued a press release calling for zero tolerance of graffiti. To back the campaign, 123 MPs, including Tony Blair, signed a charter which said, Graffiti is not art, it's crime.

"I never found graffiti vandalism - it is street art as I see it," said Jana Manuelpillai, Director at The Noble Sage Art Gallery. "There are no frames, no museums, no imposing stone stairs leading upto a gallery in the world of graffiti - it is for everyone that takes a chance to look at no matter what class, creed or sex."

While it is easy for the government to condemn the existence of graffiti art and take a hard-line approach, they must ask themselves a question – what they have done to provide a ground for these artists to display their creativity?

Royal China, London (Review)

You won’t be seduced by the looks of it, but you would surely want to go back to Royal China in Baker Street, if you are a food lover.

The tasteless surroundings of the Chinese restaurant are too tacky for those looking for an elegant and classy place. The black walls are painted with patterns of birds and flowers engraved in bold gold, which strangely blends in with the garish furniture.

Their set menu, which costs £30 - £40, is quite filling and good but the beaming crowd is usually tucking away on their dim sums and spring rolls.

The vegetarian hot and sour soup is just right for a spice-seeking pallet. Also, the freshly-made steamed vegetable dumplings are tasty and melt in your mouth. The chilly baby squid is both crispy and scrumptious.

However, the service is appalling, even though they charge 13 percent for it, with waiters usually slapping the bill on your table. Still, the food compensates for it all.

If you forget the flashy deco or the outrageous service and just concentrate on the food, you would want to go back.

P.S. It is not an ideal place to take someone for a quiet or intimate date -- the crowd is as loud as the deco.


Address:
40-42 Baker Street, London, W1U 7AJ
Telephone: 020 7487 4688