Graffiti is a form of artistic expression that involves writing or drawing on surfaces without permission. It ranges from simple tags to elaborate murals using spray paint or markers. Graffiti originated thousands of years ago with cave paintings and has evolved over time from being seen as only vandalism to an accepted art form. Popular graffiti styles include tags, throw-ups, blockbusters, and wildstyle which use techniques like stenciling, stickers, and intricate lettering.

2. •GRAFFITI is a form of artistic expression done by writing and or
drawing on a wall space without permission for public view.

3. •Graffiti ranges from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings.

4. •Graffiti can be understood as antisocial behaviour performed in order to gain
attention or as a form of thrill seeking, but it also can be understood as an expressive
art form.
•Graffiti comes from the Italian word graffiato which means “to scratch”.
• It also originates from the Greek word ‘grapheim” which means “to write.
• Graffiti is the term used in Art history to describe works of Art produced by
scratching a design into a surface.
•Graffiti is also defined as writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed
illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.

5. •GRAFFITI is considered to be a contemporary artform. However it actually
originated thousands of yeas ago.
Pre-historic Graffiti
El Kab, Egypt
(3100 – 386 BC)
Pre-historic Graffiti
Paris
• Earliest examples of graffiti are the cave paintings and inscriptions on Ancient
buildings in Egypt, Greece and the Roman Empire.

6. • Graffiti as an art form has evolved over the years
• For a long time it was associated with vandalism and was seen as an illegal act
throughout the world.
• As the art form evolved, so too was the connotations surrounding it.
• Today Graffiti is seen as turning walls into canvases.

7. • Around the world Graffiti become prominent in the late 20th Century.
• Large elaborate multicoloured graffiti art created with spray paint on building
walls and subway cars came to define the urban landscape.
• It was seen as a self expression by artists who functioned outside traditional
galleries.
• Artists such as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat became well known for
their graffiti works and soon gained recognition by top Art galleries in New
York.
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Jean-Michel Basquiat Art
Keith Haring Art

8. 1. TAG
Tagging is the easiest, simplest and most prevalent style of graffiti.
• Tagging is the writing of their crew (group name) and or their individual
mark on buildings, signs, walls etc.
• It is the artist’s stylized signature or identifier done in one colour
• Tagging was done for fame and recognition. The more locations they would
tag the more recognition they receive.
.

9. 2. THROW UP or A BOMB
Throw up style is a simple version of a tag. It consists of a one colour
outline and one layer of colour filling the letters.
• This style consists of one colour outline and one layer of colour filling in the
letters. They are designed to be done quickly to keep the artist from
attracting attention.
• There is no negative space inside the letters.

10. 3. BLOCKBUSTER
• They are designed using roller brushes to get the angles and which makes
them faster and easier to do.
Block style letters used to cover large areas/spaces in a small amount of time.

11. 4. WILDSTYLE
An elaborate version of a throw-up and Blockbuster style.
• This style is visually appealing – it is colourful, the letters interlock and
decorated with arrows, spikes, curves and other decorative elements.
• The highly stylized design often makes it difficult to read.

12. 5. HEAVEN / HEAVEN STYLE
Graffiti style letters and artwork that are placed in areas very difficult to get to
for example tops of buildings, under bridges, roofs etc..

13. 6. STENCIL STYLE
The form of graffiti created using stencils made from paper or cardboard to
create an image or text that is easily reproduced.
• The desired design is cut out and the image is transferred onto the surface
using spray paint or roll-on paint.
• Banksy was a famous graffiti artist known for the stencil style.

14. 7. POSTER/PASTE UP
Block style letters used to cover large areas/spaces in a small amount of time.
• Posters are made previously and then pasted up easily and quickly. They were
made at home and then taken to the location and pasted up quickly.

15. 8. STICKER/SLAP
Block style letters used to cover large areas/spaces in a small amount of time.
• They are designed using roller brushes to get the angles and which makes
them faster and easier to do.
• Stickers are similar to posters but smaller in size and easily stuck to the walls.

16. • ARTLIFE. 2019. Graffiti Art – Why Graffiti is Art and not Vandalism. [Available online] <
https://www.artlife.com/graffiti-art-why-graffiti-is-art-and-not-vandalism/> viewed on 14/12/2021
• https://www.eden-gallery.com/news/what-is-graffiti-art
• Tate Gallery. Graffiti Art.< https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/g/graffiti-art > viewed on 14/12/2021
• Leake Street Arches.2020.Ten top… Graffiti styles , UK< https://www.leakestreetarches.london/post/div-
class-header-h5-ten-top-graffiti-styles--h5 > viewed on 17/12/2021

17. • https://www.reddit.com/r/graffhelp/comments/qbjkg1/highway_blockbuster_first_highway_spot_my_nerv
es/
• https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wefHfzBbCIs/Xp3c7PWPznI/AAAAAAAAKSo/59slrbSkVhYgexV8VsMcqtEe-
bQy0Q_pwCLcBGAsYHQ/d/Shoreditch-Street-Art-Paste-Ups-04-Hookedblog-Photo-Mark-Rigney.jpg
• https://i.ytimg.com/vi/D1Xq0IFhSDE/maxresdefault.jpg