Graffiti, the act of writing or drawing on a public surface without permission, has a long and complex history. The origins of graffiti can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where cave paintings, inscriptions, and carvings served as forms of communication and expression. However, the modern concept of graffiti as an illicit art form that is created with spray paint and markers on city walls and trains is relatively recent.
There is no specific answer for who is the first graffiti artist in the street art industry but people know The first graffiti artist, Taki 183, began his graffiti writing career in New York City in the late 1960s. Born Demetrius Piperkis, Taki 183 was a Greek-American teenager who worked as a messenger and delivery boy in New York City. He began writing his nickname, Taki 183, all over the city, using a marker or pen to scrawl it on walls, trains, and other surfaces. Taki 183’s tag was unique in that it was written in block letters and often included his street number, 183rd Street, in the tag.
Taki 183’s graffiti writing quickly gained popularity among other graffiti writers in New York City, and his tag became a common sight throughout the city. Taki 183‘s graffiti was not limited to the subway system, but could also be found on buildings and bridges in the city. His writing was not considered vandalism by the authorities, but it was still not legal.
Taki 183’s graffiti writing inspired many other young people in New York City to begin writing their own tags and graffiti, and thus began the modern graffiti movement. Taki 183’s influence on graffiti cannot be overstated; he was one of the first graffiti writers to gain widespread recognition, and his style and technique continue to inspire graffiti artists today.
However, it’s worth mentioning that some people would argue that Taki 183 is not the first graffiti artist as Graffiti existed long before Taki 183, it’s just that Taki 183’s tagging was the first to gain widespread recognition and inspire others to do the same.
The Top 20 Popular Graffiti Artists
- Banksy
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Keith Haring
- Shepard Fairey
- Futura 2000
- Os Gemeos
- Swoon
- Blek le Rat
- Martha Cooper
- REVOK
- Zephyr
- KAWS
- Lady Pink
- Crash
- Dondi
- Taki 183
- Cornbread
- SEEN
- Cope2
- Ron English
Please keep in mind that this is a non-exhaustive list, there are many other talented graffiti artists out there. Also, this list is focused on contemporary artists. The list is based on the artist’s impact on the graffiti art movement, their style and technique, and their influence on other graffiti artists.
Here are graffiti artists‘ short details:
- Banksy: Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director. He is known for his satirical street art and subversive epigrams that combine dark humor with graffiti executed in a distinctive stenciling technique. Banksy’s works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world.
- Jean-Michel Basquiat: Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent. He began as a graffiti artist in the late 1970s before rising to prominence in the early 1980s as part of the Neo-expressionism movement. He is known for his raw, primitive style and his use of social commentary in his art. He is also the first person who brought the graffiti art into gallery.
- Keith Haring: Keith Haring was an American artist and social activist. He began as a graffiti artist in New York City’s subways in the late 1970s and rose to prominence in the early 1980s. He is known for his bold, graphic style and his use of imagery from popular culture.
- Shepard Fairey: Shepard Fairey is an American contemporary street artist, graphic designer, and illustrator who emerged from the skateboarding scene. He is best known for his OBEY campaign and his iconic “Hope” poster of Barack Obama.
- Futura 2000: Futura 2000 is a graffiti artist, painter, and DJ. He began his career in the 1970s and is considered to be one of the pioneers of the graffiti movement. He is known for his use of abstract shapes and bold, futuristic imagery.
- Os Gemeos: Os Gemeos are identical twin brothers who are graffiti artists and muralists from Brazil. They are known for their bright and bold style, which often features abstract shapes and cartoon-like characters.
- Swoon: Swoon is a street artist and printmaker. She is known for her large-scale wheatpaste prints and her intricate paper cutouts. Her work often features human figures and is known for its emotional impact.
- Blek le Rat: Blek le Rat is a French graffiti artist who is considered to be one of the pioneers of the street art movement. He is known for his use of stencils and his political and social commentary.
- Martha Cooper: Martha Cooper is a documentary photographer and author who has been documenting the graffiti and street art scene since the 1970s. She is known for her photographs of graffiti in New York City and her book “Subway Art,” which is considered to be one of the definitive books on the subject.
- REVOK: REVOK is an American graffiti artist known for his large-scale murals and his use of bold, graphic shapes. He is considered to be one of the leading figures in the graffiti and street art scene.
- Zephyr: Zephyr is an American graffiti artist who began his career in the 1970s. He is known for his large-scale murals and his use of bright, bold colors.
- KAWS: KAWS is an American artist and designer known for his street art, which often features cartoon-like characters. He has had gallery shows around the world and has created designs for brands such as Uniqlo and Nike.
- Lady Pink: Lady Pink is an Ecuadorian-American graffiti artist and muralist. She began her career in the 1970s and is considered to be one of the leading female graffiti artists of her generation.
- Crash: Crash is an American graffiti artist who began his career in the 1970s. He is known for his large-scale murals and his use of bright, bold colors. He is considered to be one of the leading figures in the graffiti and street art scene.
- Dondi: Dondi White, also known as Donald Joseph White, was an American graffiti artist, considered one of the most influential graffiti artists of all time, He began his career in the 1970s and is known for his large-scale subway graffiti and his use of bright, bold colors.
- Taki 183: Taki 183, born Demetrius, is considered to be one of the first graffiti artists in the United States. He began his graffiti writing career in the late 1960s in New York City and is known for being the first person to write his own name on the walls of the city.
- Cornbread: Cornbread, born Darryl McCray, is considered to be one of the first graffiti artists in the United States. He began his graffiti writing career in the late 1960s in Philadelphia and is known for being the first person to write his own name on the walls of the city.
- SEEN: SEEN, born Richard Mirando, is an American graffiti artist and painter. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of the graffiti movement. He began his career in the 1970s and is known for his large-scale subway graffiti and his use of bright, bold colors.
- Cope2: Cope2, born Fernando Carlo, is an American graffiti artist. He is known for his large-scale subway graffiti and his use of bright, bold colors. He began his career in the 1970s and is considered to be one of the leading figures in the graffiti and street art scene.
- Ron English: Ron English is an American contemporary artist who has been active since the early 1980s, his work is characterized by his use of popular advertising imagery and his critiques of American culture. He is also known for his graffiti art and street art which often features satirical and politically charged messages.
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how did graffiti art invent?
The origins of graffiti can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where cave paintings, inscriptions, and carvings served as forms of communication and expression. Graffiti has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, on the walls of ancient Greek and Roman cities, and in the ruins of the Mayan civilization. These early forms of graffiti were often used to convey religious or political messages or to mark territory.
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The modern concept of graffiti as an illicit art form that is created with spray paint and markers on city walls and trains, is relatively recent. The first forms of modern graffiti began to appear in the 1950s and 1960s in Philadelphia, New York City, and other urban areas in the United States. These early graffiti writers used markers, spray paint, and other materials to create their art, often writing their names or tags in large, bold letters.
The invention of spray paint in the late 1950s revolutionized the graffiti art form, making it possible for artists to create more detailed and intricate designs. The widespread availability of spray paint in the 1960s and 1970s led to an explosion of graffiti art in urban areas, as more and more people began to experiment with the medium.
In the early days, graffiti was primarily a subculture of young people, mainly from low-income neighborhoods, who used graffiti as a form of self-expression and rebellion against the dominant culture. As graffiti art spread and gained popularity, it began to be seen as a legitimate form of art, and many graffiti artists began to gain recognition and success in the art world.
More About: How To Practice Graffiti Art?
what graffiti art sends a message to society?
Graffiti art can send a wide range of messages to society, depending on the artist and the context of the piece. Some graffiti artists use their art as a form of political or social commentary, addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, or police brutality. Other graffiti artists may use their art to express personal feelings or emotions, such as love, anger, or frustration.
Some graffiti artists use their art as a form of rebellion against the dominant culture and institutions, challenging the status quo and expressing dissatisfaction with the way things are. Graffiti can also be used to promote a sense of community and belonging, bringing people together around shared values and ideals.
Many graffiti artists use their art as a form of self-expression, exploring their own creativity and individuality through the medium of graffiti. Graffiti art can also be used to beautify a space or to create a sense of place and identity in a community.
Additionally, graffiti art can also be used as a form of protest or resistance against the authorities and the government. Graffiti artists may use their art to express their opposition to policies or actions taken by the government or to call for change in the political or social landscape.
Overall, graffiti art can send a wide range of messages to society, depending on the artist and the context of the piece. It can be used for political and social commentary, rebellion, self-expression, community-building, beautification, protest, and resistance.
Does graffiti art break any rules and regulations?
Graffiti art is often considered to be illegal or vandalism because it is created on public or private property without the permission of the property owner. Many cities have laws and regulations that prohibit graffiti, and those who are caught creating graffiti can face fines, community service, or even jail time.
However, some cities and communities have started to recognize the value of graffiti art and have begun to provide designated spaces or walls where graffiti artists can legally create their art. These spaces are often called “graffiti walls” or “graffiti parks” and they are managed by the city or community organization.
Additionally, some cities also have a “permit graffiti” program where artists can apply for permission to legally create graffiti art on specific walls or buildings.
It’s worth mentioning that some graffiti artists may have a different perspective on the legality of graffiti, they may argue that graffiti is a form of self-expression and that it should be protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech.
In conclusion, Graffiti art is often considered illegal or vandalism because it is created on public or private property without permission. Many cities and communities have laws and regulations that prohibit graffiti, but some cities have also started to recognize the value of graffiti art and have begun to provide designated spaces or walls where graffiti artists can legally create their art, also some cities have a “permit graffiti” program.
Who is the first graffiti artist & Why Do People Like Cornbread graffiti artists Most?
Cornbread, born Darryl McCray, is considered to be one of the first graffiti artists in the United States. He began his graffiti writing career in the late 1960s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is known for being the first person to write his own name on the walls of the city, which inspired many other young people to do the same.
Cornbread’s graffiti was not limited to the subway system, but could also be found on buildings and bridges in the city. He wrote his name in large letters using a magic marker and later spray paint. He wrote his name in various locations, including his school, and around his neighborhood.
He began writing his name, Cornbread, all over the city, using a marker or pen to scrawl it on walls, trains, and other surfaces. Cornbread’s tag was unique in that it was written in block letters and often included his street number, 183rd Street, in the tag.
Cornbread’s graffiti writing quickly gained popularity among other graffiti writers in Philadelphia, and his tag became a common sight throughout the city. He was one of the first graffiti writers to gain widespread recognition, and his style and technique continue to inspire graffiti artists today.
Cornbread’s impact on the graffiti scene was significant, he was the first person to write his own name on the walls of the city and this simple act inspired many other young people to do the same, thus beginning the modern graffiti movement.
Cornbread’s story is also a story of personal redemption, as he had a rough childhood and struggled with poverty and violence, He found graffiti as a way to express himself and escape his difficult reality. His graffiti art helped him turn his life around and he later became a youth worker and mentor, using his experiences to help other young people.
In conclusion, Cornbread is considered one of the first graffiti artists who made an impact on the modern graffiti movement, and his style and technique continue to inspire graffiti artists today. He is known for being the first person to write his own name on the walls of the city, which inspired many other young people to do the same. Cornbread’s impact on the graffiti scene was significant, not only because of his art but also his story of personal redemption and how he used his experiences to help others.
Bubbles, Softies, and Subways: The Stylish Mid-70’s & Beyond graffiti art
The mid-1970s saw the emergence of a new style of graffiti art in New York City, known as “bubbles,” “softies,” and “subways.” This style was characterized by the use of bright, bold colors and playful, whimsical imagery, often featuring cartoon characters and other playful motifs.
Bubbles graffiti, also known as “softies” was characterized by the use of a bubble lettering style, which was created by using a round, balloon-like form for the letters. The bubble style was considered to be more playful and less aggressive than the traditional block letter style. Artists who wrote in this style were known as “softies.”
This new style of graffiti art was often created using spray paint, which allowed artists to create more detailed and intricate designs. The use of spray paint also allowed for the use of a wider range of colors, which was a defining characteristic of the bubble and softies style.
The subway graffiti art of the mid-1970s was characterized by large, colorful pieces that covered entire subway cars. These pieces were often created by multiple artists working together and were known for their use of bright, bold colors and dynamic imagery.
Artists like Dondi, Crash, and Lady Pink were some of the most notable artists of this era, known for their colorful and detailed subway graffiti art. They were able to elevate the status of graffiti art and were able to gain recognition and success in the art world.
In summary, the mid-1970s saw the emergence of a new style of graffiti art in New York City known as “bubbles,” “softies,” and “subways” characterized by the use of bright, bold colors, playful, whimsical imagery, often featuring cartoon characters and other playful motifs.
This style was created by using spray paint, which allowed for a wider range of colors and more detailed designs. Artists like Dondi, Crash, and Lady Pink were some of the most notable artists of this era, known for their colorful and detailed subway graffiti art and able to elevate the status of graffiti art and gain recognition and success in the art world.
When does graffiti become public art?
The question of when graffiti becomes public art is a subject of ongoing debate in the art world. According to a definition provided by Britannica, graffiti is “an unauthorized marking of public space” and is often associated with street gangs [1].
However, as noted in a New York Times article, graffiti can also be viewed as a form of art that straddles the line between vandalism and pure art, and can be differentiated by its message or aesthetics [2].
The Guardian notes that the urge to create street art, which includes graffiti, has been around for at least 60,000 years and has recently been classified as a “novel market category” called street art. The article also suggests that street art becomes “art” when it is created for artistic purposes and not just to gain attention or cause mischief [3].
In summary, the line between graffiti and public art is a blurry one and subject to interpretation. Some view graffiti solely as vandalism, while others consider it a form of artistic expression. Ultimately, the classification of graffiti as public art may depend on its intent, message, and aesthetic value.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the history and evolution of graffiti art, starting from its origins in ancient civilizations to its modern form as an illicit art form created with spray paint and markers on city walls and trains. We have discussed the first graffiti artist, Taki 183, and how his graffiti writing in the late 1960s in New York City inspired the modern graffiti movement.
We also discussed the emergence of a new style of graffiti art in the mid-1970s, known as “bubbles,” “softies,” and “subways” and how it was characterized by the use of bright, bold colors and playful, whimsical imagery.
We also covered the legal aspect of graffiti art, how it is considered illegal or vandalism because it is created on public or private property without permission, and how some cities and communities have started to recognize the value of graffiti art and have begun to provide designated spaces or walls where graffiti artists can legally create their art.
Finally, we highlighted the personal story of Cornbread, one of the first graffiti artists, and how his graffiti art helped him turn his life around he later became a youth worker and mentor, using his experiences to help other young people.
Overall, graffiti art is a complex and dynamic art form with a rich history and evolution. It has been used throughout human history as a form of communication and expression and continues to be a powerful medium for self-expression and social commentary.
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Ruth Aquilani is a renowned graffiti artist known for her bold, colorful, and expressive style. She began her career as a street artist in the early 2000s, quickly making a name for herself in the graffiti community with her unique and striking works of art.