Graffiti art

Graffiti originally was the term used for inscriptions, figure drawings, etc., found on the walls of ancient sepulchers or ruins, as in the Catacombs, or at Pompeii. But has evolved to include any decorations inscribed on rocks or walls that are considered to be vandalism. However, some people consider graffiti, or some graffiti, an art form.

The practices of graffiti and of considering graffiti as art are generally related to a sub-culture that rebels against extant societal authorities, or against authority as such. Graffiti art is considered one of the 5 elements of the Hip Hop Culture. Graffiti is characterized by brief quotations and intricate "tags" (encoded signatures) which may be a name of the artist, called a "writer," or a group of associated artists, called a "crew."

Because they share similar spaces and mediums, graffiti art is often confused with gang graffiti. There are differences in both form and intent. The purpose of graffiti art is self-expression and creativity, and may involve highly stylized letter forms drawn with markers, or cryptic and colorful spray paint murals on walls, buildings, and even freight trains. Graffiti artists strive to improve their art, which is constantly changing and progressing. The purpose of gang graffiti, on the other hand, is to mark territorial boundaries, and is therefore limited to a gang's neighborhood; it has no artistic intent.

Graffiti is subject to different societal pressures from popularly-recognized art forms, since graffiti appears on walls, freeways, buildings, trains or any accessible surfaces that are not owned by, or under the control of the person who applies the graffiti. So graffiti encorporates elements rarely seen elsewhere. Spray paint is commonly used, and the organizational structure of the art is sometimes influenced by the need to apply the art quickly before it is noticed by authorities. In an effort to reduce vandalism, many cities have designated walls or areas exclusively for use by graffiti artists. This encourages the artist to take their time and produce great art, without worry of being caught or arrested.

In the early 1980's, the combination of a booming art market and a renewed interest in painting resulted in the rise of a few graffiti artists to art-star status. Jean-Michel Basquiat, a former street-artist known by his "Samo" tag, and Keith Haring, a professionally-trained artist who adopted a graffiti style, were two of the most widely recognized graffiti artists.