Graffiti is said to have developed from early Roman art such as wall paintings, but todays graffiti in the Western world has changed substantially. Graffiti as defined by Webster's Dictionary is pictures or words painted or drawn on a wall, building, etc. The question I want to answer is what most people don't understand about the act of graffiti. Many people refer to it as an act of vandalism as stated by the law, however in the dictionary of art it is much more. Graffiti interested me because my major, which is criminology, teaches you to look at the criminal act of graffiti where another person can look at it and see the meaning and beauty behind it. Graffiti is far more than a simple wall painting. This style of art takes a tremendous amount of time and dedication to create.
Ancient Rome, Franz Matsch, 1891, From the collection of: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
I included this image to began this gallery with an early form of Roman art, which could be given the name graffiti. This image is related to that of earlier Roman art. During the time of Ancient Rome this stye of graffiti wasn't considered graffiti as today would define it, but a relevant and beautiful piece of art
Fresque par Riode, Riode, Unknown - Unknown, From the collection of: GRAFFITI GENERAL
I picked this image because it shows the message of graffiti that many people do not like. This painting is impressive, but ruins the reputation of the graffiti I am promoting. This painting by Riode is a perfect example of modern graffiti. It is seen by society as vandalism and promoting gang activity. Many people look at graffiti in a negative way and don't consider it art
Clavahead, Colegiales, Buenos Aires (2011), CLAVAHEAD, From the collection of: Buenos Aires Graffiti
I chose this piece because of the feeling I got when I saw it. I felt the presence of a deeper meaning than to vandalize public property. What many people don't understand is the amount of work, time, and commitment it takes to create a piece like this one. Graffiti is done on a large scale, needs different size spray can nozzles, etc. This painting is impressive due to the sense of time commitment it took to complete.
The miracles of St. Francis Xavier, Peter Paul Rubens, 1617/1618, From the collection of: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
I included this painting because of its beauty and fame. This piece is popular in the world of art, but can technically be considered one of the beginning forms of graffiti. When comparing this painting to that of todays graffiti one can see some basic differences. Some of these differences are the style, which is more formal and focuses on Christianity.
Dame, Castelar, Buenos Aires (2010), DAME, From the collection of: Buenos Aires Graffiti
I chose to include this piece to show the similarity between early religious wall paintings and the current religious wall paintings. Although there are some basic differences one can see today's graffiti has an equal deeper meaning as those of Ancient Rome. This painting made in Buenos Aires has a sentimental, cultural, religious meaning
Chloé Tiravy, San Telmo, Buenos Aires (2012), CHLOÉ TIRAVY, From the collection of: Buenos Aires Graffiti
I chose this video to go with this picture due to the style the two women painted in. The two women touched on the vandalism aspect as well as why it should be considered an important piece of art created by women. This video shows the culture behind street art in places like South America.
Toy example 1, Inconnue, 2010, From the collection of: GRAFFITI GENERAL
I chose this painting because I felt it displayed a clear want to send a message to someone. "Graffiti is an indirect result and a modern response to the class struggle in America that has been going on for generations." This new style of graffiti is a response to society not just gang propaganda
Ice & Die, Caballito, Buenos Aires (2011), ICE, DIE, From the collection of: Buenos Aires Graffiti
I included this painting to show a different style of graffiti, but with the same purpose as other forms. A painting such as this goes deeper than that of "vandalism'. This depicts the emotion and struggle a community may have together. It sends a message to the viewer that causes the viewer to be apart of the community
Blu mural, La Boca, Buenos Aires (2011), BLU, From the collection of: Buenos Aires Graffiti
I finished the exhibit with this piece to show how this graffiti has no tie to a gang, but a great meaning. This painting had to have taken a significant amount of time due to the detail. Graffiti is one of the most honest forms of artwork. Its reason for being made is only to send a message and give meaning without the need of fame or appraisal. Graffiti is not just vandalism.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
