Graffiti and Hip Hop Culture

Graffiti is a layer or multiple layers of spray paint applied to a public surface. The content of a graffiti piece will differ with every artist, but graffiti artists strive to tag their own unique symbol on the wall. A graffiti artist is sometimes referred to as a tagger, Most tags are chosen for how the word sounds when spoken aloud, these tags can contain subtle or cryptic messages within the text. The art form peaked in popularity and style between 1975 and 1977, with a large majority of the surge in New York City. Graffiti writing is a form of expression for the unheard voices of the socially oppressed. Graffiti has been used to spread social and political messages, and also as a form of advertising. It is now considered a modern art form, and can be seen in galleries around the world, and on exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. Although some consider this art style to be a form of vandalism and rebellion against authority. While graffiti advocates perceive graffiti as a method of reclaiming public space, there have been strict laws imposed in most cities around the world that makes graffiti writing against the law. Graffiti is the last link that creates hip hop culture as we know it today, along with breakdancing, beat boxing, and street fashion. These combined elements form the hip hop subculture and insiders participate in one or more of these unique elements.

Check out my slide show on different graffiti styles!