Graffiti? Become Experts in various Styles

Graffiti is the form of creating art on walls or any surface which is visible to the public.'Graffato ' is an Italian name for scratching on a surface. In Greek,'Graphien' means to write. Perhaps the word 'Graffiti' evolved from these words. Graffiti work was found as way back as in ancient Rome, where art was done on the walls at Pompeii. Interesting ancient Graffiti is found in Turkey advertising prostitution. The drawing consists of a heart, a number, a foot print and a hand print. The hand refers to the money you have to give for the purpose, heart symbolizes the lover and the foot print indicates the distance you have to walk to get to your love and perhaps the number is indicative of the address.

Pioneering era in graffiti

From ancient graffiti art to the modern graffiti, this art form has come a long way. The pioneering era in graffiti is considered to be from the 1971 to 1974 .During the 1960's graffiti was limited to political campaigns. Major graffiti work was seen in the subways of New York. The first graffiti artist who gained a lot of media attention was whose tag name was TAKI 183, a combination of his name and the number of the street where he lived. Though he may have not been the first graffiti artist, but people started noticing his art and he gained a lot of popularity. The other noted graffiti artists in New York are Five freddy, Eya 61 and Barbara 61.The artists where popular with their tag names.

The competition and creativity increased during this period and the graffiti work started spreading to the local trains. The use of spray paint was also increasing. The United graffiti artists association [UGA] was established by Hugo Martine in 1972.The peak of graffiti art reached in and around 1977.After this there was a considerable lull in creativity which again resurfaced with vigor in the 1980's.By now graffiti was all over the place and the Metro Transit Authority took steps to control it and redo the walls.

Though artists like Freddy received much acclaim, graffiti art was like a menace to the Metro Transit Authority. It took severe steps to control it and also levied heavy fines on graffiti writers. This led to the gradual decline in the art form which was now perceived as illegal.

Die hard era

This era existed in the late 80's where the art form was restricted to subway cars. Noted artists' this time were TC5, Reas, Ghost and Cavs.

Clean train movement era

As the authorities started the clean train movement in 1989, clearing all graffiti work, noted artists started opening their own studios to show case their work.

In modern times, certain video games have come up to showcase graffiti writers. But even today it is illegal to do graffiti work in public places. There has been a lot of debate regarding this issue.

Styles of graffiti

The following are the graffiti styles seen:

• Tag- This is the basic form of writing an artists name
• Throw ups- They are graffiti that use few colors and are done quickly
• Wild style- This style of graffiti involves the use of arrows, interlocking letters and connceting points.
• Blockbuster- This is the form of graffiti that makes letters large and bold.

Graffiti widely spread to other countries in Japan, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Each country showcased its culture in its graffiti art.

Tips to do graffiti

• Know the history of graffiti and study the work of early writers.
• Start on letters and then go to complicated work
• Develop your own style of graffiti
• Practice on your sketch book with a pencil and jot down your ideas in it.
• You can try doing it on a wood plank you can buy from the market
• Legal graffiti art should only be practiced.
• You can also practice on your computer with paint program
• Wear protective gloves and mask when working with spray paint.

Warning- Never resort to illegal graffiti. You can get arrested for it.

Graffiti significance

Graffiti art showcases the present conditions of the society. It has influences of the present economic, social and political conditions. It helps in proper awareness of the system that we are in. It is an art form that can be used to communicate, express your self or make a statement if it is done legally.

Government responses to illegal graffiti

Governments all over the world have cracked down on illegal graffiti. The Philadelphia Anti Graffiti Network was established in 1984 to check gang graffiti work. The Anti graffiti task force was established in 1995 in New York .Graffiti blasters was founded by Chicago Mayor for eliminating illegal graffiti. The Anti social behavior Act 2003 In Britain is the largest legislation against illegal graffiti.

Legal graffiti can be taken up as a hobby and you can enjoy doing it to express yourself or make a statement. This can be done easily in the confines of your home on a wood plank or your own studio.