In Depth: Graffiti in the Bronx

(05/17/04) THE BRONX - Whether you believe graffiti is an act of vandalism or a form of art, it's part of life in New York City and in the Bronx. In fact, some say graffiti was born and raised in the Bronx and has existed for more than three decades.

Graffiti artists say they can paint something on a subway in the Bronx and it will end up being seen by people in Manhattan and even Brooklyn. They say it's the greatest feeling.

Bio and Nicer are two graffiti artists who have been writing their art in the Bronx for more than 20 years. They say they have evolved just like the graffiti movement itself. Both started underground in the subways, then like the writing they moved out of the tunnels and onto the streets. They say graffiti is urban art, an outlet for city teens looking for an identity and voice.

Now artists like Bio and Nicer get paid for their artwork. The say the movement is global, something people don't realize.