graffiti: : usu. unauthorized writing or drawing on a public surface
That's the definition of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, and several other dictionaries refer to the definition with synonyms of vandalism.
Even though it could be considered to have its origin on cave's walls from the Paleolithic like the oldest one discovered in 1940 at Lascaux in France where there where starches made with animal bones and other natural paints. After that there are some other forms in Ancient Rome (Pompeii) and could be because of that the word itself comes from the word graffiato ("scratched") in italian.Obviously the biggest wave of graffiti expresion started in the 1970's in New York having as a main feature the spay can graffiti that evolved along side the hip hop culture.
It was a way of announcing a presence, either a group or personal, but it was always a way to say 'we will not be ignored'. This was ended up making the language of the streets visible to other social groups.
From what I can relate to graffiti involved into my field, the first thing that comes to my mind is the video game Jet Set Radio for Dream Cast published by Sega, which is a game that describes the basics of life in Tokyo for a "rudie", a term used to refer to young people who roam the streets spraying and skating, as a means of self expression. The game was fantastic, but now that I think back, you where always being chased by a police officer and some other gangs... but the game play and the massive scenarios where fantastic! Also it had a unique artwork and an catchy soundtrack.
Also, there is this film-documentary called 'Exit Through the Gift Shop', filmed by the frenchman Thierry Guetta and featuring artist like Banksy, Shephard Fairey, Invader and many other of the world's most infamous graffiti artists at work. In here you can see the way that many contemporary street artist work, but most important, what they think and the reasons that pushes them to do what they do.
Despite the style and manifestation of graffiti, there are many artist that manage to express the main message through their work, but there's always the counter part of vandalism. It might be worth less making a piece of art while invading some else's property.
There are plenty ways in which now a days graffiti artists manage to express themselves without having to damage or concur to illegal procedures, like one of my favourite artist David Walker, who 'paints' on abandon vans and always creates beautiful pieces like the one underneath:
Also, there is this film-documentary called 'Exit Through the Gift Shop', filmed by the frenchman Thierry Guetta and featuring artist like Banksy, Shephard Fairey, Invader and many other of the world's most infamous graffiti artists at work. In here you can see the way that many contemporary street artist work, but most important, what they think and the reasons that pushes them to do what they do.
Despite the style and manifestation of graffiti, there are many artist that manage to express the main message through their work, but there's always the counter part of vandalism. It might be worth less making a piece of art while invading some else's property.
There are plenty ways in which now a days graffiti artists manage to express themselves without having to damage or concur to illegal procedures, like one of my favourite artist David Walker, who 'paints' on abandon vans and always creates beautiful pieces like the one underneath:
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