It’s NOT what you think. Graffiti

What is Graffiti? Graffiti consists of inscriptions, slogans and drawings scratched, scribbled or painted on a wall or other public or private surface. The word "graffiti" is derived from the Latin word "graphium," which means " to write."

The term "graffiti" was originally used by archaeologists to describe drawings and writings found on ancient buildings and monuments in Pompeii, Egypt and in the Roman catacombs. Pompeii wall shows electoral graffiti What is Graffiti?

URBAN DECAY Today, graffiti is a sign of urban decay. It has become everyone's eyesore. Graffiti generates fear of neighborhood crime and instability. It is costly, destructive, lowers property values and sends a message that people of the community are not concerned about the appearance of their neighborhoods. It is also against the law!

Understanding Graffiti: tag (scribble) A stylized signature, normally done in one color. throw-up A throw-up or "throwie" sits between a tag and a piece in terms of complexity and time investment. It generally consists of a one-color outline and one layer of fill-color. Easy-to-paint bubble shapes often form the letters.

piece (short form of masterpiece) A large and labor- intensive graffiti painting. Pieces often incorporate 3-D effects, arrows, and many colors and color- transitions, as well as various other effects. Originally shorthand for masterpiece, considered the full and most beautiful work of graffiti). A piece requires more time to paint than a throw-up.

What do you think of Graffiti? Student interview of English teacher and his views on Graffiti Graffiti Expo

Keith Haring Keith%20Haring.jpg

Keith Haring “He developed a love for drawing at a very early age, learning basic cartooning skills from his father and from the popular culture around him, such as Dr. Seuss and Walt Disney.”

Keith Haring “Haring moved to New York City and enrolled in the School of Visual Arts (SVA). In New York, Haring found a thriving alternative art community that was developing outside the gallery and museum system, in the downtown streets, the subways and spaces in clubs and former dance halls.”

Keith Haring “As a student at SVA, Haring experimented with performance, video, installation and collage, while always maintaining a strong commitment to drawing. In 1980, Haring found a highly effective medium that allowed him to communicate with the wider audience he desired, when he noticed the unused advertising panels covered with matte black paper in a subway station.”

Keith Haring “He began to create drawings in white chalk upon these blank paper panels throughout the subway system. Between 1980 and 1985, Haring produced hundreds of these public drawings in rapid rhythmic lines, sometimes creating as many as forty “subway drawings” in one day.”

Keith Haring “This seamless flow of images became familiar to New York commuters, who often would stop to engage the artist when they encountered him at work. The subway became, as Haring said, a “laboratory” for working out his ideas and experimenting with his simple lines.”

Keith Haring “Keith Haring died of AIDS related complications at the age of 31 on February 16, A memorial service was held on May 4, 1990 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, with over 1,000 people in attendance.”

“High Class Art” vs. “ Low Class Vandalism ” "I wanted to sell my paintings because it would enable me to quit my job, whether as a cook or delivering house plants or whatever else I was doing--and paint full time." - Keith Haring

Take it off the street. Put it on canvas. Hang it in a gallery. Make money.

Can public graffiti be considered high class? Yes. How? Working on Commission. What is Commission? Receiving a form of payment for services rendered. Example: A playground is looking for some artwork to cover a racquetball wall. You have been asked to create a “Piece” to cover the wall. You will be paid $8, for your time, talent, effort, and supplies.

Graffiti Expo (this wall surrounds a playground)

New York City Remembering 9/11/01

PIECE

ART or NOT? TRUE or FALSE? Graffiti is not art; it is vandalism. It is prohibited when done without permission of the property owner. TRUE AND FALSE

Is this good artwork? Is this graffiti? Does this art have monetary value? Is this art protected? Could you purchase this artwork?

GRAFFITI PROJECT: Vertical or Horizontal MUST show complete color spectrum Dimension & Pattern Foreground, Middle ground, Background

Mrs. Plouff