Graffiti as Art
By Christy Mihalenko I 12/09/12
Art is defined as, "the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects; also: works so produced"(merriam-webster dictionary). Art is found in many forms and artists come from all types of backgrounds. However, because of this factor some art forms are misunderstood. Graffiti as art has been a controversy in our modern day world for generations. Most people believe that all graffiti is vandalism and is gang related, that all graffiti is the result of gang members marking their territory. Some people consider it to be nothing more than just a waste of time. Through the ages graffiti has been put up without permission, making it a hated nuisance for owners of buildings who feel that artists are disrespecting their property (graffitistyles.org.uk). Unfortunately, people do not consider that the graffiti they see may not be the stereotypical link to gangs but the work of an artist showing the world their art.
Despite popular belief not all graffiti is gang or street crime related. About 80% of graffiti is "tagger" graffiti. A tag is nothing but the signature of the artist making the drawing (graffitistyles.org.uk). Another 5% are "pieces," or large visuals/murals. Nationally, gang graffiti makes up about 10% of graffiti (graffitihurts.org). Pieces are the artistic product that has grown from the non-artistic disfigurements of gang symbols. Though pieces only make up 5% of graffiti in cities its numbers are increasing. More and more artists are being commissioned to beautify urban streets with colorful creations of self-expression.
There has been an explosion of graffiti writers and they have been cropping up all over the world. Such artists include Banksy, C215, Dan Witz, and David Choe. “Banksy is perhaps the most famous current graffiti artist” (Mork). His is real name is still in shadow, but none the less, the name of Banksy is known throughout the world. He is a “…graffiti artist who specializes in satirical political and societal commentary. His art is a combination of stenciling, spray paint and fine brush painting” (Mork). He is known for creating huge displays in prominent places in major cities. “Banksy recently came out of anonymity long enough to collaborate with and put on a show in the Bristol Museum of Art” (Mork). Another artist goes by the name C215. “C215 is a young French graffiti artist whose work is found primarily in France but increasingly around the world” (Mork). Like Banksy he is known for his stencil work and the subjects of his pieces range from portraits of his daughter, to portraits of "pure evil" and beautiful romantic scenes (Mork). Additionally, there is Dan Witz. He is a graffiti writer based in New York City. He has become “…famous for his hummingbirds and lifelike portraits that look almost as if they were photographs” (Mork). Furthermore there is David Choe. Choe’s work is found all over the world including Japan and Vietnam, but he got his start in Los Angeles. His most famous piece is large portrait portrayal of Barak Obama (Mork).
Putting up pieces can be decorative but some have meaning. These pieces are not intended for vandalism or destruction of property. Pieces convey significant messages through drawings like political messages, and support for radical movements. For example, one artist put up a piece that read “Keep your coins, I want change”. They can also be used to support pop-culture. For example, artists at Five Pointz have put up murals depicting Batman and Angry Birds. Clearly these depictions are not gang related, thus graffiti is developing and changing its purpose. Graffiti is a revolution of statement art that is expressive, requires great skill, and helps define urban culture.
Graffiti can be considered destruction of property, especially if is not commissioned. When not commissioned for the building it is indeed illicit activity. Graffiti is defined as “writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place” (oxforddictionaries.com). Even the ancient Greeks and Romans considered graffiti defacement. However, the markings left by the ancients, like today, give details into the writer’s lives. Errors in spelling and grammar in the graffiti offer insight into the degree of literacy in Roman times. The ancients displayed phrases of love declarations, political rhetoric, and simple words of thought compared to today's popular messages of social and political ideals (Pompeiana.org). However, the earliest graffiti has been found in cave painting dating back to 30000 BCE. These painting as well depicted the happenings of the cave dwellers lives such as sex and hunting (livescience.com).
Even in the Paleolithic and Roman age graffiti was used as an expression of self and life. Expressing one’s self is a part of what makes graffiti art. All graffiti is influenced by the writer’s life and emotions. “…Graffiti is used by modern artist to express what they feel inside their heart. Through graffiti drawings, artists are able to release their deep thoughts and feelings, thus resulting to a great work of art” (graffitistyles.org.uk). Artists express themselves through graphics, which is how they get their views into the public realm. These imaginative graphics are used to demonstrate emotions, self-image, a societal image, and even pop-culture. Each creation is unique and everyone has their own style.
Like all art forms, graffiti requires great skill, observations, and time. Graffiti writers are almost always self-taught and have years of experience from their youth. Most studies show the majority of graffiti writers are males between 12 and 21 years old (ncpc.org). Through years of practice artists develop precision of lines, which is difficult to accomplish. From personal experience watching writers put up their pieces, they make it look easy. Behind this façade of ease lies an inclusive skillset of precision, speed, and concentration. Preparation also is an important step towards creating a great piece. Often graffiti writers need to sketch out ideas before they commit their plans into aerosol art.
Graffiti is a part of all urban landscapes and through its development it has been one of the most important aspects of the modern urban culture such as pop and hip-hop. Hip-hop is defined as “a subculture especially of inner-city youths who are typically devotees of rap music” (merriam-webster.com). Graffiti and hip-hop link together for both are and expression of “soul” and together they define the urban youth through sound and visual expression and display the lives they lead. Graffiti’s unique, modern and varied stylish fashion contributes to the consideration of graffiti as an art form. Nowadays, graffiti has been immersed in published cultural fixations such as entire magazines, websites and now has developing galleries devoted to graffiti.
Graffiti has come a long way through history starting in ancient cave civilizations leading through the Roman era into today’s urban landscapes all over the globe. It has evolved as a revolution of style and life expression from the depths of crime and mischief. The urban landscape is experiencing this change where graffiti is developing from mere tagging to great pieces of art and winding its way into galleries. So much work and planning goes into graffiti pieces. As a cause of this progression and future progression there can be potential reversal of the negative connotations associated with graffiti. In the future it should be known for its efforts in artistic expression, ability and cultural relevance. With this, ways of thinking and expression can be broadened.
Works Cited:
"Ancient Cave Art Full of Teenage Graffiti | LiveScience." Current News on Space, Animals, Technology, Health, Environment, Culture and History | LiveScience. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.livescience.com/7028-ancient-cave-art-full-teenage-graffiti.html>.
Banksy. Keep Your Coins… I Want Change. Digital image. Tumblr. N.p., 28 Feb. 2012. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. <http://locodeschamps.tumblr.com/post/3566907309/keep-your-coins-i-want-change-banksy>.
"Definition of Art: 4a." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/art>.
"Definition of Graffiti." Oxford Dictionaries. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/graffiti>.
"Definition of Hip-hop." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hip-hop>.
"Graffiti Facts and Figures." National Crime Prevention Council. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.ncpc.org/programs/catalyst-newsletter/catalyst- newsletter/archives/february-2005-catalyst/graffiti-facts-and-figures>.
"Graffiti Hurts." Graffiti Hurts. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.graffitihurts.org/getfacts/fastfacts.jsp>.
"Graffiti of Pomeii." Pompeiana.org. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.pompeiana.org/Resources/Ancient/Graffiti%20from%20Pompeii.htm>.
"Graffiti Styles: The Ultimate Symbolization Of Modern Art." Types of Graffiti Styles and Basic Tips on Graffiti Drawings. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://graffitistyles.org.uk/the_ultimate_symbolization_of_modern_art.htm>.
Mork, Rachel. "Famous Graffiti Artists." - Life123. N.p., 2012. Web. 09 Dec. 2012. http://www.life123.com/arts-culture/art-history/graffiti/famous-graffiti-artists.shtml.
Despite popular belief not all graffiti is gang or street crime related. About 80% of graffiti is "tagger" graffiti. A tag is nothing but the signature of the artist making the drawing (graffitistyles.org.uk). Another 5% are "pieces," or large visuals/murals. Nationally, gang graffiti makes up about 10% of graffiti (graffitihurts.org). Pieces are the artistic product that has grown from the non-artistic disfigurements of gang symbols. Though pieces only make up 5% of graffiti in cities its numbers are increasing. More and more artists are being commissioned to beautify urban streets with colorful creations of self-expression.
There has been an explosion of graffiti writers and they have been cropping up all over the world. Such artists include Banksy, C215, Dan Witz, and David Choe. “Banksy is perhaps the most famous current graffiti artist” (Mork). His is real name is still in shadow, but none the less, the name of Banksy is known throughout the world. He is a “…graffiti artist who specializes in satirical political and societal commentary. His art is a combination of stenciling, spray paint and fine brush painting” (Mork). He is known for creating huge displays in prominent places in major cities. “Banksy recently came out of anonymity long enough to collaborate with and put on a show in the Bristol Museum of Art” (Mork). Another artist goes by the name C215. “C215 is a young French graffiti artist whose work is found primarily in France but increasingly around the world” (Mork). Like Banksy he is known for his stencil work and the subjects of his pieces range from portraits of his daughter, to portraits of "pure evil" and beautiful romantic scenes (Mork). Additionally, there is Dan Witz. He is a graffiti writer based in New York City. He has become “…famous for his hummingbirds and lifelike portraits that look almost as if they were photographs” (Mork). Furthermore there is David Choe. Choe’s work is found all over the world including Japan and Vietnam, but he got his start in Los Angeles. His most famous piece is large portrait portrayal of Barak Obama (Mork).
Putting up pieces can be decorative but some have meaning. These pieces are not intended for vandalism or destruction of property. Pieces convey significant messages through drawings like political messages, and support for radical movements. For example, one artist put up a piece that read “Keep your coins, I want change”. They can also be used to support pop-culture. For example, artists at Five Pointz have put up murals depicting Batman and Angry Birds. Clearly these depictions are not gang related, thus graffiti is developing and changing its purpose. Graffiti is a revolution of statement art that is expressive, requires great skill, and helps define urban culture.
Graffiti can be considered destruction of property, especially if is not commissioned. When not commissioned for the building it is indeed illicit activity. Graffiti is defined as “writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place” (oxforddictionaries.com). Even the ancient Greeks and Romans considered graffiti defacement. However, the markings left by the ancients, like today, give details into the writer’s lives. Errors in spelling and grammar in the graffiti offer insight into the degree of literacy in Roman times. The ancients displayed phrases of love declarations, political rhetoric, and simple words of thought compared to today's popular messages of social and political ideals (Pompeiana.org). However, the earliest graffiti has been found in cave painting dating back to 30000 BCE. These painting as well depicted the happenings of the cave dwellers lives such as sex and hunting (livescience.com).
Even in the Paleolithic and Roman age graffiti was used as an expression of self and life. Expressing one’s self is a part of what makes graffiti art. All graffiti is influenced by the writer’s life and emotions. “…Graffiti is used by modern artist to express what they feel inside their heart. Through graffiti drawings, artists are able to release their deep thoughts and feelings, thus resulting to a great work of art” (graffitistyles.org.uk). Artists express themselves through graphics, which is how they get their views into the public realm. These imaginative graphics are used to demonstrate emotions, self-image, a societal image, and even pop-culture. Each creation is unique and everyone has their own style.
Like all art forms, graffiti requires great skill, observations, and time. Graffiti writers are almost always self-taught and have years of experience from their youth. Most studies show the majority of graffiti writers are males between 12 and 21 years old (ncpc.org). Through years of practice artists develop precision of lines, which is difficult to accomplish. From personal experience watching writers put up their pieces, they make it look easy. Behind this façade of ease lies an inclusive skillset of precision, speed, and concentration. Preparation also is an important step towards creating a great piece. Often graffiti writers need to sketch out ideas before they commit their plans into aerosol art.
Graffiti is a part of all urban landscapes and through its development it has been one of the most important aspects of the modern urban culture such as pop and hip-hop. Hip-hop is defined as “a subculture especially of inner-city youths who are typically devotees of rap music” (merriam-webster.com). Graffiti and hip-hop link together for both are and expression of “soul” and together they define the urban youth through sound and visual expression and display the lives they lead. Graffiti’s unique, modern and varied stylish fashion contributes to the consideration of graffiti as an art form. Nowadays, graffiti has been immersed in published cultural fixations such as entire magazines, websites and now has developing galleries devoted to graffiti.
Graffiti has come a long way through history starting in ancient cave civilizations leading through the Roman era into today’s urban landscapes all over the globe. It has evolved as a revolution of style and life expression from the depths of crime and mischief. The urban landscape is experiencing this change where graffiti is developing from mere tagging to great pieces of art and winding its way into galleries. So much work and planning goes into graffiti pieces. As a cause of this progression and future progression there can be potential reversal of the negative connotations associated with graffiti. In the future it should be known for its efforts in artistic expression, ability and cultural relevance. With this, ways of thinking and expression can be broadened.
Works Cited:
"Ancient Cave Art Full of Teenage Graffiti | LiveScience." Current News on Space, Animals, Technology, Health, Environment, Culture and History | LiveScience. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.livescience.com/7028-ancient-cave-art-full-teenage-graffiti.html>.
Banksy. Keep Your Coins… I Want Change. Digital image. Tumblr. N.p., 28 Feb. 2012. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. <http://locodeschamps.tumblr.com/post/3566907309/keep-your-coins-i-want-change-banksy>.
"Definition of Art: 4a." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/art>.
"Definition of Graffiti." Oxford Dictionaries. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/graffiti>.
"Definition of Hip-hop." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hip-hop>.
"Graffiti Facts and Figures." National Crime Prevention Council. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.ncpc.org/programs/catalyst-newsletter/catalyst- newsletter/archives/february-2005-catalyst/graffiti-facts-and-figures>.
"Graffiti Hurts." Graffiti Hurts. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.graffitihurts.org/getfacts/fastfacts.jsp>.
"Graffiti of Pomeii." Pompeiana.org. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.pompeiana.org/Resources/Ancient/Graffiti%20from%20Pompeii.htm>.
"Graffiti Styles: The Ultimate Symbolization Of Modern Art." Types of Graffiti Styles and Basic Tips on Graffiti Drawings. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://graffitistyles.org.uk/the_ultimate_symbolization_of_modern_art.htm>.
Mork, Rachel. "Famous Graffiti Artists." - Life123. N.p., 2012. Web. 09 Dec. 2012. http://www.life123.com/arts-culture/art-history/graffiti/famous-graffiti-artists.shtml.