Whether you love or hate graf, it is a part of the local landscape. Like the iconic “this is not art” sprayed on the dilapidated Latec House. Graffiti and street-art have a criminal reputation, but respect for them is growing and there are many “legal” and commissioned works in Newcastle. As these photos show, street-art can be a skilful form of self expression and a means to make political statements. Graf and street-art are urban art forms.