The word Graffiti comes from the Greek word graphein, meaning "to write." Many associate the idea of graffiti with vandalism and destruction of property, while many others see this ancient form of painting on public surfaces as an art. Graffiti is produced on many different surfaces from subway tunnels to bathroom walls, bridges and buildings; anywhere an artist can display their work. The first recognition of graffiti was in the '70s along the walls of the New York City transit system; people began creating artwork on the sides of subway trains. This movement was founded by a young kid whose “tag” name was TAKI 183 (tag, meaning a single-line writing, usually the artists, alias or signature). TAKI 183 formed what was called “New York Graffiti”. The writings on subway cars and stations became a sort of communication between fellow writers and crews in the surrounding areas. Writers in the area flocked to the subway stations to produce their pieces, eventually filling spaces top to bottom. Writers viewed this work as traveling galleries between each stop. In the late '80s the New York City Transit Authorities launched a campaign to free the subway stations of graffiti. The “No graffiti will run’ campaign ended the graffiti age; however this movement had already spread nationwide as well as around the world. The art of graffiti has stretched to include many different forms of art, from public art,to stencil graffiti,paste-ups,canvas painting, stickers,murals and even sculptures.
Today there are several different forms of graffiti other than personal messages. There is graffiti that takes a political stand, as well a social stand. These messages can be produced due to political changes as well as lack of resources the artists may have, such as media. Another form of graffiti is gang graffiti. This form is meant to distinguish enemy gangs, mark territory and create empowerment in certain areas. Gang graffiti is recognized to be the most destructive and feared. This use of cryptic codes and messages causes the most heat in the debate over defacing property versus a form of art. People fear gang graffiti because of the lack of knowledge about the writing, as well the presence of gang culture in their neighborhood. Graffiti is an ingredient in every cultured society, whether it’s accepted or not accepted. it’s a form of expression from those who have no other means of creating, art as well as a statement. Graffiti can express negative points of view such as hate and racism. On the other side it can express positive views such as love, unity, diversity and freedom.
Graffiti has always been linked to young, poor inner-city youths; however this stereotype is far from true. Graffiti art is produced by people of all ages, social classes as well as levels of education. Today graffiti has become mainstream and is recognized in many everyday aspects of life. Many recognized graffiti artists are hired by companies or individuals to paint murals on buildings as well as canvas. Many advertisers use graffiti-inspired work in ads displayed at bus stops, along subway lines, on billboards and in magazines. Another venue that displays the work of graffiti artists is art galleries and museums, which feature the work of these artists in an exhibition or showcase.
Mr.Cartoon
Some of the most renowned and known graffiti artists from around the world are Banksy from the U.K; Mr. Cartoon from L.A; Lady Pink from New York, and Fafi from France. All of these artists are well known for their craft as well as many more artistic ventures. Mr. Cartoon is also well a famous tattoo artist in L.A, with well known celebrity clients. He also produces his own artwork with classic L.A graffiti styles, incorporating Mexican and South
Fafi is a known artist who began her work spray painting buildings and walls in her hometown of France. Fafi is known for her provocative, curvy female characters called Fafinettes. Fafi travels around the world creating her art on walls and buildings, from Japan to New York. Fafi also has a line of Fafinette dolls as well as a clothing line inspired by this aggressive female character. Fafi’s work continues to grow and expand around the world. From her roots of spray painting to her worldly art, Fafi continues to spread the art of graffiti.
Fafi
The acceptance of graffiti art has been questioned by many. Is graffiti vandalism and destruction of sacred buildings and monuments? Should this art be made legal? Is graffiti really considered art?. The real question is how we as a society see art. Is this act that’s created by many talented artists around the world wrong; should these so-called artists be able to showcase their work for everyone to see, or should it be banned? For many of these artists and writers, graffiti is the only means they have. So the real question is ‘To write or not to write’.
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