The Culture of Graffiti

Graffiti and its OriginsThe earliest forms of graffiti date back 30,000 years in the

form of prehistoric cave paintings and pictographs using tools such as animal bones and pigments.

This was found in

Pompeii »

Modern graffiti has become synonymous

with the Hip Hop movement, but it has always been politically

orientated.

Subway Graffiti

Subway graffiti developed in the 1960’s, when teenagers started

‘tagging’ their names on abandoned freights.

The artist usually adopts a new name to

keep themselves anonymous.

1980's and Hip Hop

The 1980's saw the emergence of Hip Hop,

and with this a new form of graffiti. Stencils and

spray paints were used to create quick, sharp

designs. This design» by Shepard Fairey, was a

popular image and is now used as a logo.

Graffiti and Hip Hop culture

The relationship between graffiti and hip hop culture arises both

from early graffiti artists engaging in

other aspects of hip hop culture.

Anonymous artist, 1994»

Hip Hop artists such as Fab Five Freddy started making graffiti more popular, staging street 'dance-

offs' and rap wars. Street artists would cover abandoned buildings and subway stations with their

tags.

Basqiuat

Basqiuat was famously associated with the

New York graffiti and hip hop scene during

the 1980's. His 'SAMO' tag can be seen around New

York.

Basqiuat, Untitled (skull) 1981

Basqiuat used painterly strokes and vibrant

colours, which referenced his graffiti.

Modern Graffiti

Artists such as Banksy have popularised Graffiti. This has divided die-hard graffiti fans! Banksy's work can be seen around Bristol and London.

Text Art and Graffiti

Graffiti culture has also been an influence on modern art. Mark Titchner's 'messages' are aesthetically very much in the style of street graffiti.

Mark Titcher Tiny Masters (2007)

Task!

In groups of 2 or 3, answer these questions.

1. Which scene did Basqiuat become involved with?

2. How would you say graffiti influenced his work?

3. Where is graffiti said to originate from?

4. How many years ago were the first examples of graffiti seen?

Answers..

1. Basqiuat was involved with the New York hip hop scene in the 1980's.

2. Open to discussion!

3. Ancient Greece. Symbols and phrases were found in caves.

4. 30,000 years BC

Aims and Objectives

Aim/s: To collaborate in the creation of a mural, which references Text/Graffiti art, each creating your own 'tag'.

Objective/s covered in this lesson:

Collaborate effectively, deciding on the overall design of the mural as a group

Experiment with techniques and materials using mixed media

Conduct visual research into 2 contemporary artists who use text and document these in journal/sketchbook (as a homework task)