Graffiti

Is a visual street practice of applying images, words, or symbols to walls and other urban surfaces, which originated in the 1970s in New York City as a form of self-expression among urban youth, particularly within African American and Latino communities. Graffiti quickly became a central element of hip-hop culture alongside rap, breakdance, and DJing. Early graffiti artists like TAKI 183 and Tracy 168 began with tagging—writing their pseudonyms using markers and spray paint on trains and walls—which evolved into more elaborate styles: throw-ups (quick bubble letters), pieces (large colorful works), murals, and stylized characters. Graffiti is executed using a variety of techniques—from freehand painting to stencils and stickers—and requires skill, originality, and a deep understanding of urban space. It can be legal (on designated walls or within festivals and commissions) or illegal, making it a point of debate between art and vandalism. Over time, graffiti gained recognition in the art world: street artists’ works began appearing in galleries and being sold at auctions, with figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Banksy becoming icons of contemporary art. Today, graffiti is practiced worldwide and continues to evolve, incorporating digital formats, augmented reality, and social messaging, remaining a powerful tool for political expression, protest, and identity.