A form of modern art, graffiti is used for various purposes. While some people consider it a nuisance for the city, others view it as a tool to promote certain social and political activities.
Whether or not you consider it art, there’s no doubt that graffiti has left its mark on our culture. From artists like Shepard Fairey to pixel artist KAWS, it’s changed the way we look at the world around us.
History
Graffiti (inscribed markings) has long been a form of expression and communication. While some of these mark-making practices may be deemed vandalism, others are recognized as art and have become part of our culture.
The graffiti movement originated in New York City and has since spread to many major cities around the world. It has evolved from “tags,” which feature the writer’s name, to wild style, in which names are outlined and filled with color, to larger works known as pieces.
More recently, graffiti artists have collaborated with traditional muralists on so-called “permission pieces” in community-based projects. This has helped to increase the acceptance of graffiti art in the mainstream.
Techniques
Graffiti artists use a variety of techniques. Wild style graffiti, for example, uses abstract letters that are difficult to identify as letters without careful study. These letters have different vanishing points and create optical illusions.
Stencil art is another popular graffiti technique. It involves cutting shapes out of cardboard or paper and applying them to walls using spray paint. Artists such as Above, Banksy, Blek le Rat, Vhils and Shepard Fairey are known for this type of graffiti.
Graffiti is found on almost any public property that is open to the public, including subways, trains and buses; billboards; cars; buildings; sidewalks and streets; parks and other public spaces. It is often a nuisance and can damage buildings and vehicles. Graffiti can also be an indication of gang involvement, with the members marking their territory.
Styles
Graffiti artists employ a variety of styles when painting. These vary from the simple scribbled names used by beginners to the elaborate geometric constructions of European writers like Bando and Zedz.
The art form is closely linked to gang culture, and is often used as an informal obituary or a way to boast about criminal acts. It is also used to battle rival gangs. This conflict takes the form of a graffiti battle, in which the losing crew is paid or punished in some way.
Another common graffiti style is stenciling, in which shapes are cut out of cardboard or paper and painted over with spray paint. This method makes it easy to replicate the same image many times over. This is a popular technique with artists such as Above and Shepard Fairey.
Influences
Graffiti artists are influenced by anything and everything around them, and the pieces they create are the result of their unique perspective. Whether they are exploring the world around them or pushing the boundaries of technology, their art is an extension of themselves.
The enigmatic artist known as Banksy is one of the best examples. His work is evocative, provocative and often socially conscious. He is a master of both the pixel and the spray can.
Street art has also become a powerful political tool. Its presence on the West Bank Wall, a physical and symbolic divide between Palestinians and Israelis, resonates with global audiences. This intersection of art and activism is a potent combination that transcends words and provokes action. It is a visual language that can change the world.
Careers
Graffiti is a form of art that can be used to promote businesses. It is also a great way to express your opinion. It is easy to clean and is very eye-catching. It can make a place look better and attract more people which will benefit the economy of that area.
While graffiti usually involves tagging and text-based subject matter, street artists can work with a wider range of mediums. They often collaborate with clients and brands on projects that blend their art-making practice with other creative work, such as product design or apparel illustration.
One example is San Jose-based artist Sam Rodriguez, who has a hybrid practice that combines commissions and collaborations with independent work. He has developed custom illustrations for Kaiser Permanente, Samsung and LinkedIn and designed products like sneakers and beverage cans.