Graffiti was started in Philadelphia. Two men by the name of Cool Earl and Corn Bread started graffiti. It was later seen on the trains of New York because it operated 24/7. Graffiti was seen amongst Blacks but then it became multicultural.
Graffiti took off after Taki's name appeared in the New York Times. The use of graffiti was for identity, to mark one's territory, language, made one feel empowered, it was an alternative life, and served as a message. In the mid 70's competition became intense with different styles such as, block letters, bubble letters, and broad letters.
Since Mayo Lindsay failed to obtain funds to repair the trains and New York’s planner, Robert Moses failed to improve the train system; graffiti artists saw this as an opportunity to improve the trains through their artwork. As graffiti laws were implemented murals were given to artists for more space and less graffiti.
It should be noted that its disrespect to go over another graffiti artists' work.
I was in Baltimore this weeked driving through the city and I saw more graffiti and murals their than I do in the district. I always find it amazing to learn about something to have a better understanding and appreciation.
ReplyDeleteNice summary. I think city officials and writers should come to some consensus on what places in the city are fair game for bombing. This way it doesn't tell taggers absolutely no, and it allows writers some autonomy to express themselves. So, again, I don't think taggers should be told, "You can do a mural on this particular wall." But rather, it should be agreed upon that on any surface bearing this particular city stamp or marker is free to write on. What do you think of that idea?
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