History Of Graffiti

Graffiti as we know it started appearing in urban areas, especially in New York, some twenty years ago, and the activity has taken hod in an extraordinary way. Its detractors have always described it as the simple, inarticulate expression of young drop-outs from the most disadvantaged social classes. This is a fundamental mistake since graffiti has transcended not merely socio-economic barriers but also those of race, culture and religion. People have also pigeon-holed graffiti as a form of rebellion and this is a fair statement made, nevertheless, graffiti has taken on many varying forms, mediums used and depicted on diverse landscapes world over. What started as "tags" on the steel sides of a train carriage in New York, so called miss spent youth, can now end up showcased in the worlds most famous art galleries. With the writers, "tag" becoming a worldly recognisable brand label. Accordingly those whom criticise, graffito's un-doings have often failed to acknowledge that the once "rebellious" kid, spray painting his name "tag", on the side of a train, is now designing the very clothes that you are wearing, furniture you are sitting on, magazine you are reading or the Ipod that your listening to, and the can of coke you are drinking. The Avenues for employment within the creative industry are countless, graffiti being the starting point for many top graphic designers, art directors and fashion designers. Carving out a creative career and sadly in some cases the ending of life for some. More on the Darker side of a Graffiti Artist, later. Graffiti can denounce, demand, destroy and Delight. Why? Simply because it is a means of expression in its own right, an artistic movement based on multiple influences with its protagonists hailing from a huge range of backgrounds. Techniques used are as varied as the artists, or "writers"as they call themselves, and range from bubble style, to wild style via tagging and stencil graffiti. This is what makes graffiti more than just vandalism; its very much a living art-form finding its inspiration from all manner influences in life. In fact, writing and drawing on walls is one of mankind's oldest activities! Now this activity has evolved into a cultural movement which has found a place firmly in modern society. AKUSER 189