Since its invention, graffiti has continually evolved from simple and trivial forms to more complex and impactful forms that relay cultural, social, and political ideas within the society. Its history traces back to ancient times, where inscriptions and drawings were engraved onto walls in places such as ancient Rome and Greece. It has been used as a form of political expression and commentary by the public. Modern graffiti emerged between 1960s and 1970s in the urban areas of New York City and Philadelphia. During this period, graffiti was hugely associated with young, vibrant, and alienated individuals from marginalized communities. Artist would therefore use graffiti to assert their dominance and presence, especially in places where their political views were suppressed. They sought to use graffiti as a response to the harsh socio-economic realities they faced. Early graffiti artists, known as “taggers,” focused on writing their names or signatures in as many places as possible to gain notoriety and visibility. However, with time, the taggers became anonymous to avoid being noticed by the government.
By the 1980s, graffiti had gained more attention, both as an art form and as a social phenomenon. The styles become quite elaborate as artists started using spray paints that would allow them to create colourful, complex, and visually appealing pieces. Additionally, the hip-hop movement, with its focus on self-expression and rebellion, helped propel graffiti into the mainstream. Artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring emerged from the street art scene and became celebrated figures in the fine art world, helping bridge the gap between graffiti and gallery spaces.
As graffiti continued to evolve, so did the techniques, styles, and cultural contexts in which it was practiced. In the 1990s and 2000s, street art emerged as a distinct offshoot, with artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey using stencil techniques and focusing on political and social commentary. Street art, unlike traditional graffiti, often received greater public approval, as it was seen as more accessible and less destructive. This period also saw a growing commodification of graffiti, as major brands began to incorporate graffiti aesthetics into their marketing campaigns.
Today, graffiti is recognized as a global art form. It exists on a spectrum—from illegal, spontaneous tagging to highly curate public murals and street art festivals. Many cities have designated legal spaces for graffiti artists to create large-scale works, and graffiti has found a place in galleries, fashion, and advertising. Despite this acceptance, graffiti remains, at its core, a medium for marginalized voices, a way for individuals to claim public space and express their identities, emotions, and messages. Its evolution reflects broader cultural changes and its enduring power as a form of resistance and creativity.
Scheffler, J. J. (2023). Ephemeral Inscriptions: An Ethnographic Exploration of Philadelphia Graffiti Culture in the Digital Age. Temple University.
