Throw-ups

Definition

Throw-ups are a type of graffiti characterized by their quick execution and bold lettering, often consisting of simple outlines filled with color. They serve as a middle ground between tags and more complex pieces, showcasing the artist's name or alias while prioritizing speed and visibility. This style emerged prominently alongside the rise of street art in urban environments from the 1980s onward and has roots in the early works of graffiti pioneers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Throw-ups became popular in the 1970s and 1980s as graffiti artists sought to make their names known quickly and efficiently in competitive urban spaces.
2. These works are typically executed with spray paint, allowing for rapid application on walls, trains, and other surfaces.
3. Throw-ups often use bubble letters or block letters to enhance readability from a distance, prioritizing visibility over complexity.
4. The technique allows artists to gain recognition while minimizing the risk of being caught in the act, as they can complete them faster than full pieces.
5. Throw-ups have evolved over time, influencing contemporary street art and serving as a foundation for many artists' development into more intricate styles.

Review Questions

• How do throw-ups differentiate themselves from tags and pieces in terms of execution and purpose?
  • Throw-ups are distinct from tags due to their larger scale and more colorful execution, often featuring bold outlines filled with color. Unlike pieces, which are intricate and time-consuming, throw-ups prioritize speed and visibility, allowing artists to establish their presence quickly in public spaces. This balance between simplicity and recognition plays a crucial role in the graffiti scene, as throw-ups serve as an accessible form of expression for many artists.
• Discuss the role of throw-ups in the context of urban environments during the emergence of street art in the 1980s.
  • During the 1980s, urban environments became vibrant canvases for street art, with throw-ups playing a significant role in this cultural shift. As graffiti artists aimed to leave their mark amidst growing competition, throw-ups allowed them to quickly assert their identity across cities. The boldness and speed associated with throw-ups reflected the energy of street culture at the time, effectively merging artistry with a desire for visibility within the rapidly changing urban landscape.
• Evaluate how throw-ups have influenced contemporary street art practices and artist identities in urban settings.
  • Throw-ups have significantly influenced contemporary street art by providing a foundation for many artists' techniques and styles. As graffiti evolved, throw-ups remained relevant as an immediate means of self-expression and identity formation within urban communities. Today's street artists often reference throw-up styles while integrating new elements into their work, creating a dialogue between past practices and current trends. This blending showcases how throw-ups continue to shape artistic identities while reflecting ongoing changes in urban culture.

Related terms

Tags: Tags are the most basic form of graffiti, typically involving a writer's signature or name done quickly, often with a single color, emphasizing the personal identity of the artist.

Pieces: Pieces, short for masterpieces, are elaborate and detailed graffiti artworks that showcase an artist's skill and creativity, often taking longer to create than throw-ups.

Wildstyle: Wildstyle is a complex form of graffiti characterized by intricate lettering and interlocking shapes, making it difficult to read for those unfamiliar with the style.