Graffiti Art The Writing on the Wall

Origins of Graffiti Art Graffiti is not a new concept… It has been found in tombs of the Egyptians and the ruins of Pompeii.

Brassai, Graffiti Brassai was a Hungarian photographer who began noticing strange carvings in the city of Paris in the 1930s. He decided the photograph and archive them. Brassai concluded that they were created because people have a basic need for people to know they exist. People were leaving their mark on the city, informing people of their existence.

The Ancient meaning of Graffiti Graffiti comes from the Italian word grafficar It means drawings, markings, patterns, scribbles, or messages that are painted, written, or carved on a wall or surface. It also signifies "to scratch" in reference to different wall writings ranging from "cave paintings", bathroom scribbles, or any message that is scratched on walls.

The Modern meaning of Graffiti Graffiti has now come to be known as any unsolicited marking on a private or public property that is usually considered to be vandalism.

Various Forms The simplest form consists of individual markings such as slogans, slurs, or political statements. Such as writing on bathroom walls Usually handwriting Another simple form is tagging which is a fancy, scribble-like writing of one's name or nick-name. Like saying “I was here” Marks territory

Modern Graffiti Originated in the 1960s in New York City and is consequently know as “The New York Style” It began with teens using permanent markers to write their name on subway cars

The Importance of Spraypaint It allowed for the tag to develop in size and color. It separated the taggers from the artists color, form, and style could be emphasized creatively with this new tool to produce a tag as a part of an overall artistic production

Subway Art In the 1970s, taggers began marking on subway cars This allowed them to get more exposure and style wars began to develop More styles began to develop and became more complicated

Taggers vs. Artist Taggers scribble Artists create art

The Spread of Graffiti The high visibility of the train and the potential audience encouraged more artists to participate in this new form of art. Despite New York City's vigorous anti-graffiti efforts the style flourished and soon influenced artists in cities all over the world. The biggest promotional vehicle for graffiti art worldwide has been the Hip-Hop phenomenon which is the culture associated with rap music.

The Complexity of Graffiti Art It is not a spontaneous activity like tagging in the form of fancy scribble. The completion of a piece or a production involves a great deal of imagination, planning, and effort.

How its Made The graffitist first does a sketch. Then he or she plans out characters and selects colors. Next, the artist selects his or her "canvas" or surface. Then they create a preliminary outline followed by a filling in of colors and ornamentation. Finally the graffitist does a final outline.

But is graffiti an art form or vandalism?

Nay-sayers Its illegal; vandalism Artists have no formal training It’s a non-standard presentation

Why its art Complicated and takes planning and skill Can be analyzed according to the elements of lines, color, and structures that are present in the work in order to produce a narrative about it. Graffitists intend their work to be apprehended as art that can communicate feelings and ideas to the audience. It also beautifies the community by appearing on areas that normally would be eyesores, such as a wall in a vacant lot or an abandoned building.

Location and Presentation The biggest obstacles of the acceptance of graffiti as an art form It is often disregarded because it is not framed and hanging on a wall, rather on a subway. It then becomes unsolicited art and therefore vandalism.

Vandalism The fact that it is vandalism only justifies its removal However the fact that graffiti is only temporary makes it a unique and attractive art form.

Introduction to the Art World Soon graffiti art was thrown into the at world. Graffiti artists were soon asked to create work to be displayed in galleries. Either on canvas or directly on the wall Its introduction allowed for two things to occur Collectors, dealers, curators, artists, and the like helped graffitists evolve in style, presumably by sharing their artistic knowledge with the newcomers. The exposure helped to expand graffiti to all parts of the world.

Commission Work LA and Chicago have recognized the talent of graffitists by providing a means for them to do legal graffiti art which has helped to foster the art form and lessened the amount of graffiti art that appears in the city as vandalism. Organizations of graffiti artists such as the Phun Factory or the United Graffiti Artists in New York solicit places to do legal graffiti such as abandoned buildings, businesses, or community walls in parks. Graffiti artists are now commissioned to do work.

When is it art? When it complies with the following criteria Graffiti art is separated from everyday graffiti markings by the artist's intention to produce a work of art. Graffiti art has an established history of development in style and technique. Graffiti art even has been recognized by the art world. The public response to graffiti art indicates that it is art.