How Graffiti Started in the United States
Graffiti is a form of art that has been on the rise across the United States in recent years. Although graffiti can be found on walls, trains, and other public surfaces, not everyone is familiar with its background and origins. This article aims to shed light on how graffiti started in the United States.
Early Incidents of Graffiti
Graffiti actually dates all the way back to ancient Rome and Greece. These ancient communities often had young rebels who would carve and inscribe their names onto walls. The practice gained further steam in the United States in the 1960s, with spray-painting of names appearing on subway cars and other public surfaces in cities like New York. These early forms of graffiti were often simple, with small drawings, lettering, and signatures found on surfaces.
Meeting of Artistic Minds
It wasn’t until the 1970s that graffiti would receive modern influences. Its popularity was partly thanks to the meeting of artistic minds who were looking for new forms of expression. Some of these early graffiti artists began coordinating their efforts, organizing into groups to create intriguing works that spoke volumes. These groups, namely TAG and SAC, painted more elaborate pieces on trains and walls that were starting to get noticed.
The Emergence of Hip-Hop
The late 1970s also produced the emergence of hip-hop music. This music genre began as an underground movement in the Bronx, New York and was quickly assimilated by the city’s graffiti community. This incorporation allowed graffiti artists to use the city’s growing club and music scene as an outlet for their paintings. Graffiti art started to reflect the growing culture, with hyperactive, vibrant colors taking over city walls. Tagging, or representing one’s name with unique symbols or lettering, became widespread among graffiti artists as a display of pride and creativity.
The Media Takes Notice
The 1980s saw the media take notice of this growing movement. Magazines and newspapers began to write about graffiti, which led to its spread across the United States. However, these developments also led to heavy law enforcement crackdowns against graffiti artists and their work. The passage of anti-graffiti laws and stricter law enforcement in cities began to take a toll on the community, with many artists fearing jail sentences.
The Mainstream Acceptance of Graffiti Art
However, the graffiti scene persevered. Its artists rallied to form organizations and creative collectives dedicated to promoting graffiti as an art form. These collectives began displaying their pieces in galleries and museums, helping to change the public’s perception of graffiti. Several influential graffiti artists, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring also helped to legitimize the art form by making it a prominent feature of their works. Soon enough, graffiti art was being incorporated into various commercials, movies, and music videos, helping it become part of mainstream culture.
Graffiti Continues to Thrive
Today, graffiti is still going strong across the United States. It has become a prominent feature of cities’ urban landscapes, reflecting the unique culture and creativity of its diverse population. Graffiti artists continue to display cutting-edge techniques and bold artwork, using newly developed materials and changing trends to keep the art form alive. While people may still have differing opinions on graffiti’s legality, its cultural significance in modern U.S. society is unmistakable.
Conclusion
Graffiti has come a long way since its early beginnings, evolving into a unique art form that captures the energy and creativity of its surrounding culture. The development of graffiti in the United States has been a fascinating journey, reflecting the lasting impact of artistic rebels and the changing of public opinion. While graffiti art remains a controversial topic, there is no denying its influence on today’s vibrant artistic community.