Graffiti: The Fastest Art Movement
Deiveon Duncan
English 101-A06
Mrs. Autenzio
11 October 2017
Graffiti Research Paper
Graffiti is the term given to letters, images or artwork that is painted, sketched, marked down or drawn in any manner on property. Just like any other piece of art, graffiti is an expression. It can easily be argued that graffiti is the biggest art movement we have ever seen, especially on a global scale.
The use of Graffiti dates back centuries, where walls and trees and mountain rock where used as a canvas for people to leave messages and express themselves. These cave drawings were how the people of that time would express themselves by telling a special story correlated to their lives, and the style the cave men used is pretty similar to the same principles used in graffiti today. The link between hip hop and graffiti evolved as a competition, much like the dance moves of the hip hop culture. Graffiti began to show up on subways in New York and other cities as a form of expression of the culture who listened to rap music. Darryl McCray also known as “Cornbread” is claimed to be the face that was the first to start graffiti. When McCray was only 16 years old in juvenile prison he would write his name on the cell walls “Cornbread” and all over the prison. No one really knew who he was, but everyone knew his name, and that when McCray preceded to do the same …show more content…
thing when he was released from prison. And that was when graffiti started to morph into its own time piece and culture. It really is a give and take when it comes to graffiti. Since graffiti is known to be in such a violent setting it is most often common for many artists to experience a friend getting killed, shot, beaten, etc. It really begins to wear on a person and make an artist reconsider their route and talent. But that isn’t always the most righteous path either. There are galleries that encourage and sell graffiti works. Many artists have sold murals and works in galleries for money, but it is not very acclaimed in the graffiti community. The majority of writers see that as “selling” out or giving into the system. “Graffiti is wild it doesn’t belong on a canvas, just like a bird does not belong in a cage.
In today’s society this art form is expressed in much more broad views through politics, religion, racism, etc.
Many of these stances have adapted the medium of spray paint but have adapted it to what is now known as “Street Art.” Many of these street artist has made a very successful living on their work. Shepard Fairey, Space Invader, Banksy, Mr. Brain Wash all exploit their art in the street. Sometimes these are just quick stencils or elaborate murals, but all express a stance in which the artist is trying to communicate his or her viewpoint. Graffiti has also adapted a lot into graphic design, and even fashion
design.
Graffiti maybe vandalism but it is still art. Every piece may not be understood but that has always been the case ever since art was born. This movement has and will continue to play a big role in our society especially as designers. Who knows maybe thousands of years from now people will look to the paintings on the walls to understand our lifestyle and culture.
Works Cited
Exit Through the Gift Shop. Dir. Thierry Guetta Eric. History of Graf. 198. Davey D. 13 April
2013. Perf. Banksy. Prod. Jaime D’Cruz. 2010
Infamy. Dir. Doug Pray. Prod. Kevin Lewis. 2005.
Respect – A Brief History of Graffiti. 8 December 2010. 14 April 2013
English 101-A06
Mrs. Autenzio
11 October 2017
Graffiti Research Paper
Graffiti is the term given to letters, images or artwork that is painted, sketched, marked down or drawn in any manner on property. Just like any other piece of art, graffiti is an expression. It can easily be argued that graffiti is the biggest art movement we have ever seen, especially on a global scale.
The use of Graffiti dates back centuries, where walls and trees and mountain rock where used as a canvas for people to leave messages and express themselves. These cave drawings were how the people of that time would express themselves by telling a special story correlated to their lives, and the style the cave men used is pretty similar to the same principles used in graffiti today. The link between hip hop and graffiti evolved as a competition, much like the dance moves of the hip hop culture. Graffiti began to show up on subways in New York and other cities as a form of expression of the culture who listened to rap music. Darryl McCray also known as “Cornbread” is claimed to be the face that was the first to start graffiti. When McCray was only 16 years old in juvenile prison he would write his name on the cell walls “Cornbread” and all over the prison. No one really knew who he was, but everyone knew his name, and that when McCray preceded to do the same …show more content…
thing when he was released from prison. And that was when graffiti started to morph into its own time piece and culture. It really is a give and take when it comes to graffiti. Since graffiti is known to be in such a violent setting it is most often common for many artists to experience a friend getting killed, shot, beaten, etc. It really begins to wear on a person and make an artist reconsider their route and talent. But that isn’t always the most righteous path either. There are galleries that encourage and sell graffiti works. Many artists have sold murals and works in galleries for money, but it is not very acclaimed in the graffiti community. The majority of writers see that as “selling” out or giving into the system. “Graffiti is wild it doesn’t belong on a canvas, just like a bird does not belong in a cage.
In today’s society this art form is expressed in much more broad views through politics, religion, racism, etc.
Many of these stances have adapted the medium of spray paint but have adapted it to what is now known as “Street Art.” Many of these street artist has made a very successful living on their work. Shepard Fairey, Space Invader, Banksy, Mr. Brain Wash all exploit their art in the street. Sometimes these are just quick stencils or elaborate murals, but all express a stance in which the artist is trying to communicate his or her viewpoint. Graffiti has also adapted a lot into graphic design, and even fashion
design.
Graffiti maybe vandalism but it is still art. Every piece may not be understood but that has always been the case ever since art was born. This movement has and will continue to play a big role in our society especially as designers. Who knows maybe thousands of years from now people will look to the paintings on the walls to understand our lifestyle and culture.
Works Cited
Exit Through the Gift Shop. Dir. Thierry Guetta Eric. History of Graf. 198. Davey D. 13 April
2013. Perf. Banksy. Prod. Jaime D’Cruz. 2010
Infamy. Dir. Doug Pray. Prod. Kevin Lewis. 2005.
Respect – A Brief History of Graffiti. 8 December 2010. 14 April 2013