Spraying Chemistry: An Exploration of Acetone in Graffiti
Art is all around, all the time. Oftentimes, due to the abundance of it, it will pass by unnoticed. The Brazilian graphite artists, “Os Gêmeos”, have used spray paint, to create an entire universe where urbanity and real-world issues are broadcasted and made known of. Still, there are very few people that know beyond what the art is showing, and who know what is used to make art. Yes, in this case, spray paint, and still, what is spray paint made of? Among several compounds in it, one of the most crucial is acetone1.
Graffiti is one of the most ancient forms of art known today, yet its change through time can be paralleled to the constant rate at which society has evolved. Prehistoric rock art was the first form of graffiti, and we have evolved to using spray paint for several reasons pertaining to the impact acetone has on the composition. Modern day urban graffiti art is mostly a tool for sociopolitical critique, resulting in artists' desires to create something permanent, to really leave their message. Therefore, as spray paint is durable, it is one of the most effective ways of graffiti. Additionally, this form of art requires, not only permanence, yet also a rapid time to dry. Acetone is a substance that evaporates rapidly, hence, its effectiveness. In prehistoric rock art, people used natural paints, derived from fruits, and charcoal. However, these pigments do not last much and come off easily. Spray paint has opened a new form of expression through art, where the urban city is the canvas.
“Os Gêmeos” often illustrate in their artworks, problems, and critiques to society, usually regarding inequalities and political issues. In 2017, São Paulo's government used gray paint to cover several graffiti murals, including an artwork made by over 200 artists, and the largest graffiti mural in Latin America. This led to a huge backlash from graphite artists, and naturally the way they expressed that revolt was by doing even more graphite. One of which is from “Os Gêmeos”, referring to an article in the law addressing freedom of expression through art. Through this artwork, they call upon the Brazilian population to reflect upon government positioning in regard to freedom of speech. Ultimately, "Os Gêmeos" break the barrier between politics and art, immersing the public, those who pass by the art, and governments, into their critique of oppressive political systems.
Despite the absence of an immediate reflection on the science of graffiti paint by most, this scientific lens has allowed for a better social analysis of this tool for expression. Although what matters to most is the meaning of the art, the meaning and the medium are correlated to a large extent, as each type of artwork uses different paints and substances for specific purposes. For instance, graffiti is usually portrayed as something negative, like vandalism. One can speculate the correlation between this negative connotation and the fact that spray paint is not an easily removable paint. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, after all, art is subjective. Nonetheless, the permanence of spray paint is undeniably linked to the effect of graffiti art.
The thought of an absolute permanence is, to most, something negative, raising reflections upon the effect of graffiti's permanence, on its portrayal as vandalism. Nonetheless, just like any form of art, it is a way of expressing one's self. "Os Gêmeos" often portray in their art, critiques of the lack of freedom of expression in regard to urban art.
In this art piece, they criticize governments for censuring their intellectual, artistic and scientific forms of expression. To do so, graffiti is used.
Although societies have evolved to a new form of graffiti art, that is more durable among other distinctions, the harms of this evolution must not be disregarded. Acetone is extremely toxic. As aforementioned, it may cause severe eye and organ damage, adding on to other injuries if exposed to long term. Therefore, it is necessary for artists, like "Os Gêmeos", to protect themselves when exposed to spray paint. This makes it harder for society to interact with the art, as it is less accessible and can put those in contact with the art in danger.
Even though there are non-toxic alternatives to spray paint, there are many components, such as acetone, that build to this medium's uniqueness. A curious mind may reflect upon the diverse perks of this tool. For instance, if it dries so easily and quickly, how does it remain liquid when inside the can? It seems simple, yet there is a lot of science behind the answer to that question. What ultimately happens is that the paint is held in a pressurized container and, when sprayed, released by a valve, resulting in tiny molecules that may be applied to a wide range of surfaces, resulting in the effect of the paint. Therefore, when the paint is inside the container, it is a pressurized liquid, however when that pressure is released, by spraying the paint, it comes off as extremely tiny molecules that stick to surfaces. Here is where the acetone comes in. When inside the can, it functions as a solvent, however when sprayed, its function is to make the spray paint evaporate quickly.
"Os Gêmeos" have raised reflections in Brazil and beyond, on the power of graffiti art. They have called upon individuals to appreciate the art in everyday life and question its meanings. Art is all around you all the time, yet, so is science. Not as two separate things, but as components that depend on each other and complement each other, serving as a powerful tool for social change.
