Graffiti is generally given a negative connotation. It’s a sign of urban decay, lax security, some douche with a spray can and too much free time.
Stuff that ventures beyond someone just writing their name on a bridge can approach the slightly haughty term ‘urban art’ when it’s conveying a message, like some of the best works by Banksy.
But do you call it when graffiti artists paint by removing dirt and grime from formerly clean areas? Reverse graffiti? Anti-painting? An eco-statement? “Addition by subtraction”?
![](https://modernhiker.com/wp-content/images/grafitti.jpg)
This particular artist’s work forced the Sao Paulo city government to clean the soot from every tunnel in the city to prevent further ‘vandalism.’ So cool lookin’ and effective.