Overview
This lecture explores the history, cultural meaning, and ongoing debate around graffiti, tracing its roots from ancient times to the present and discussing whether it is considered art or vandalism.
Origins and Historical Context
- Graffiti is the act of writing or drawing on public property, existing for thousands of years.
- Ancient Romans inscribed messages on public walls in the 1st century BCE.
- Ancient Mayans also scratched drawings onto surfaces.
- In Pompeii, citizens used graffiti for spells, love notes, political slogans, and supporting gladiators.
- Plutarch and others criticized graffiti as pointless, even in ancient times.
- The connection between graffiti and vandalism began after the Vandals destroyed Rome in the 5th century.
- The term "vandalism" originated during the French Revolution to condemn the defacing of art.
Graffiti, Vandalism, and Identity
- Graffiti became linked to rebellion and provocativeness, thus labeled as vandalism.
- Many graffiti artists conceal their identities to avoid punishment and establish community or territorial claims.
- "Tagging" with coded labels emerged in the 1960s in New York and Philadelphia, combining fame with anonymity.
- Graffiti’s illegality contributed to its underground allure and growing following.
Graffiti and Society
- Graffiti’s history is deeply connected to debates over space and ownership of public property.
- Counterculture movements and political activism have often used graffiti to challenge authority and spread messages.
- Examples include WWII propaganda and the symbolic graffiti on the Berlin Wall.
- Graffiti artists have reclaimed public spaces like subway cars, billboards, and even animals for their art.
Mainstream Acceptance and Modern Debate
- Graffiti unions formed in the 1970s and artists began to be recognized by galleries in the 1980s.
- Marketing, typography, and brand collaborations have blurred lines between street art and mainstream culture.
- The debate continues over whether graffiti is destructive or a form of artistic self-expression.
- Graffiti raises ongoing questions about the ownership, value, and boundaries of art in public spaces.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Graffiti — Writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed on public surfaces.
- Vandalism — Deliberate destruction or defacement of property, often linked to graffiti.
- Tagging — Signing a name or symbol in graffiti, often to mark territory or identity.
- Counterculture — A movement that rejects mainstream societal values, often associated with rebellious art like graffiti.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on whether graffiti should be considered art or vandalism.
- Prepare examples or arguments for an upcoming discussion or essay on the topic.