Post-modern Graffiti

Post-modern Graffiti

So… When and where did graffiti start?

“Graffiti has been around since men could draw on walls. Caves from 30,000 years ago often exhibit over endowed men and Beautiful (by the standards of the time) women. It could be argued that these were some of the first tags” ( Wiki Answers 2012)

It could be argued that they were pornographic as well. Every school boy likes to think he invented drawing a crude penis on inanimate objects; it almost comes instinctively to most.

“Modern graffiti art as we know it now originated on the streets of New York City. Artists strove to create better pieces, refining their techniques and use of spray paint to turn what was once a marker of territory into a true art form. Graffiti art has been recognized in the fine art world since the first graffiti-centered gallery opened in Rome in 1979” ( Wiki Answers 2012)

Rome itself once stood a mighty empire, a picture of prosperity and opportunity. However archaeological discoveries paint a different picture, pun intended.

I used to love this show called Rome, in particular the introduction credits seen here… I think it shows an accurate yet enchanting depiction of roman life through its streets public art. There is even a guy with a huge wang.

So, Graffiti did not begin at one specific time, just recently it has become attached to a sub-culture of tagging, hip hop, break dancing, etc. this is where graffiti becomes  something more in modern society. To some it is defacing public property and vandalism, costing time and money to remove. To others it’s a way of life, interesting designs and epic murals purely for the public’s amusement. I lean towards the latter.

Reference List

‘Where and when did graffiti start’ (2012) Wiki Answers. Available at: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_and_when_did_graffiti_start  (Accessed: 24 April 2012)