🏷️Street Art and Graffiti Unit 1 – Street Art & Graffiti: An Introduction

What's It All About?

• Street art encompasses various forms of visual art created in public spaces, often without permission
• Graffiti, a type of street art, involves writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on walls or other surfaces in public places
• Street art can be used to express political activism, social commentary, or simply serve as a form of artistic expression
• Common mediums include spray paint, stencils, wheat paste posters, stickers, and sculptures
• Street art is often ephemeral due to its illegal nature and exposure to the elements
  • Pieces may be removed by authorities or property owners, or naturally deteriorate over time
• Many street artists maintain anonymity to avoid legal repercussions and to let their work speak for itself
• Street art has gained increasing acceptance in the art world, with works by famous artists like Banksy selling for millions at auction

Key Players and Pioneers

• Cornbread, a graffiti writer from Philadelphia in the late 1960s, is often cited as one of the earliest modern graffiti artists
• Taki 183, a Greek teenager in New York City during the early 1970s, helped popularize tagging (writing one's name or pseudonym) in public spaces
• Jean-Michel Basquiat began as a graffiti artist in the 1970s under the pseudonym SAMO before transitioning to canvas-based work and gaining recognition in the art world
• Keith Haring's colorful, cartoon-like figures became iconic in the 1980s, often addressing social issues like AIDS awareness and crack cocaine addiction
  • Haring's "Crack is Wack" mural in NYC is a famous example of his socially conscious work
• Shepard Fairey's "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign in the 1980s evolved into the famous "OBEY" imagery, critiquing conformity and consumerism
• Banksy, an anonymous British artist active since the 1990s, is known for subversive, satirical pieces that often incorporate dark humor and political themes
  • Notable works include "Girl with Balloon," "Kissing Coppers," and "Mobile Lovers"
• Lady Pink, one of the first women to gain notoriety in the male-dominated graffiti scene, is known for her feminist themes and colorful, figurative style

Evolution and History

• Graffiti has ancient roots, with examples dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire
• Modern graffiti emerged in the 1960s in Philadelphia and New York City, often associated with hip-hop culture and used as territorial markers by gangs
• The 1970s saw the rise of tagging and more elaborate pieces, with artists like Taki 183 and DONDI gaining recognition
• Subway trains became a popular canvas for graffiti writers in NYC during the 1970s and early 1980s
  • Whole train pieces, covering an entire subway car, were considered a significant achievement
• The 1980s brought increased commercialization and mainstream attention to graffiti and street art
  • Artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat transitioned from street to gallery
• In the 1990s and 2000s, street art diversified with the rise of stenciling, wheat pasting, and other techniques
• The internet and social media have helped popularize street art globally, with artists like Banksy gaining international fame
• Today, street art encompasses a wide range of styles and mediums, from traditional spray-painted pieces to sculptural installations and digital projections

Techniques and Styles

• Tagging: The most basic form of graffiti, involving writing one's name or pseudonym in a stylized manner
• Throw-ups: Quick, bubble-letter pieces, often done in one or two colors, prioritizing quantity over quality
• Pieces (short for masterpieces): More elaborate, multi-colored works that showcase the artist's skills and style
• Wildstyle: A complex, interlocking style of lettering that can be difficult to decipher for the untrained eye
• Stenciling: Creating a design on a template (often paper or cardboard) and applying spray paint or roll-on paint to transfer the image to a surface
  • Allows for quick, precise reproduction of the same image multiple times
• Wheat pasting: Adhering paper-based artwork (posters, cutouts) to surfaces using a mixture of wheat flour and water
• Stickers: Pre-designed images or tags printed on adhesive paper, allowing for quick and easy application
• Sculptures and installations: 3D street art pieces that often interact with or alter the surrounding environment
  • Examples include Banksy's "Mobile Lovers" and Joshua Allen Harris' inflatable subway vent sculptures

Legal vs. Illegal: The Great Debate

• Graffiti and street art often exist in a legal gray area, with many pieces created without permission on private or public property
• Supporters argue that street art adds vibrancy and character to urban environments, serving as a form of free public art
  • Can also be a tool for social and political commentary, giving voice to marginalized communities
• Critics view it as vandalism, associating it with gang activity, property damage, and urban decay
• Legal consequences for creating unauthorized street art can include fines, community service, and even imprisonment
• Some cities have designated "free walls" or legal graffiti zones where artists can work without fear of repercussions
  • 5Pointz in Long Island City, NYC, was a famous legal graffiti mecca before its demolition in 2014
• Commissioned street art and murals have gained popularity as a way to liven up urban spaces with the property owner's consent
• The line between vandalism and art remains a topic of debate, with public opinion varying widely

Cultural Impact and Social Commentary

• Street art often reflects and comments on the social, political, and cultural issues of its time and place
• Graffiti has long been associated with hip-hop culture, serving as a form of self-expression and identity for youth in urban communities
• Street art can be a tool for activism, raising awareness about issues like social inequality, environmental concerns, and human rights
  • Banksy's "Rage, Flower Thrower" addresses themes of peace and protest
• Many street artists use their work to critique consumerism, capitalism, and the commodification of art itself
  • Shepard Fairey's "OBEY" campaign questions conformity and blind obedience to authority
• Street art can also add visual interest and character to urban environments, creating a sense of place and community pride
• The ephemeral nature of street art can be seen as a commentary on the transience of life and the constant change in urban landscapes
• In some cases, street art has been a catalyst for gentrification, with the presence of murals and graffiti attracting new businesses and residents to previously neglected areas

Where to Spot It: Famous Locations

• East Village and Lower East Side, NYC: Birthplace of modern graffiti, featuring works by Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat
• 5Pointz, Long Island City, NYC (now demolished): Former graffiti mecca, showcasing works by artists from around the world
• Wynwood Walls, Miami: Open-air museum featuring murals by renowned street artists like Shepard Fairey and Lady Pink
• Venice Beach, Los Angeles: Known for its colorful murals and graffiti, including works by Rip Cronk and Jonas Never
• Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Australia: Famous laneway featuring constantly evolving street art and graffiti
• East End, London: Home to many Banksy pieces, as well as works by other British street artists like Stik and D*Face
• Kreuzberg, Berlin: Known for its vibrant street art scene, with murals and graffiti reflecting the area's counterculture and political activism
• Belleville, Paris: Features works by French street artists like Miss.Tic and Jef Aérosol, as well as international artists

Try It Yourself: Basic Techniques

• Start with sketching: Develop your ideas and designs on paper before attempting them on a wall or other surface
• Practice can control: Use a variety of nozzles and pressure to achieve different line widths and effects with spray paint
• Master basic lettering: Learn simple block lettering and bubble letter styles before moving on to more complex designs
• Experiment with stencils: Create your own stencils using paper or cardboard, or use pre-made stencils for intricate designs
• Use found objects: Incorporate everyday items like stickers, posters, or discarded materials into your work
• Collaborate with others: Work with fellow artists to create larger, more complex pieces or to learn new techniques
• Consider your surface: Different materials (brick, concrete, metal) may require different approaches or paint types
• Always prioritize safety: Wear a mask to avoid inhaling fumes, and be aware of your surroundings, especially when working illegally
  • It's best to start with legal walls or commissioned work to hone your skills and avoid legal trouble