The history of graffiti

Art expresses itself through all forms of media and mediums. Oil painters and acrylic artists create elaborate works rich in color and detail. Despite its controversial presence, graffiti also achieves the same with remarkable skill.

While graffiti has existed in various human cultures throughout history, its modern idea began in the late 60s in New York. It was then only termed ‘writing,’ starting with kids writing their names on walls and trains. The earliest forms of graffiti were tags, in which artists wrote their signature or pseudonym on a public surface.

Pioneers of the era included Taki 183, the shortened version of his Greek Christian name, followed by his street number. Famous early writers such as ‘Phase 2’ and ‘Futura 2000’ embellished their tags and invited creativity. Tags evolved from names on walls into massive, multicolored masterpieces with thick outlined letters and decorations known as ‘pieces.’ At the time, making a name for oneself in the streets came in the form of tags or pieces.

Writers of the 1970s began using techniques such as highlights and shadows to create three-dimensional effects in their pieces. As artists developed their unique lettering and styles, cartoon characters expanded writers into greater recognition. Famed inspirations of the time included American underground comic artist Vaughn Bode. His zany cast of colors and characters, Puck and Cheech Wizard, can be found on thousands of walls worldwide.

Writing continued to grow throughout the 70s to 90s. The graffiti subculture spread to nearly all major cities in the western world. However, the movement took heat in the early 90s during New York’s rampant crime wave.

Civilians demanded order from Mayor Rudolph Guiliani as cities became unsafe and unpleasant to live in. As such, Giuliani pledged to enforce the law and to clean up the graffiti on the subway system. The crackdown signaled the end of an era, but by then, the graffiti subculture had spread worldwide and is as popular today as it ever was.

In modern times, writing has evolved to a combination of tagging and calligraphy, known as Calligraffiti.

Modern graffiti constantly experiments with the traditional and new age. Pieces of today may be indiscernible from those of the past as they depict an emotion through simple colors or a few shapes. Alternatively, artists also utilize their surroundings, perspective, lighting, and more to create a visually intricate and stunning piece.

Despite its controversial standing, graffiti is another valid art form that engages with its audience through unique styles. Countless works showcase brilliance and creativity throughout social movements and revolutions. They advocate change or inspire the power of the people. From cave paintings to subway tags, humans have always represented themselves outside the traditional canvas with graffiti exemplifying such.

Written by Stacey Martinez  | Graphic Designed by Stacey Martinez

Published March 11, 2024 | ePathfinder | Feature