GRAFFITI: AN ALTERNATE OUTLET FOR EXPRESSION Matthew Johnson AP English IV Mrs. Saunders 5 January 2012

WHY GRAFFITI?  Fascinated by artwork, especially the more mysterious types  Desire to further artistic experiences

ORIGIN OF GRAFFITI  Name derived from Latin root “graffiari”  Cave art  Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics  More contemporary graffiti dates back to the 1960 s

VANDALISM V. ART FORM  Can have positive effects on communities by acting as an outlet for expression of  Art  Deep emotions  Political views

VANDALISM  “Writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place”  Misconstrued to be purposefully done as a crime

ART FORM  Personal expression  Communication  Tell a story MuralsMurals, or urban walls

MEXICAN MURALIST MOVEMENT:  1920 s to 1960 s  Artwork expressed Mexico’s heritage  Expressed a resistive spirit  Unified Mexican revolutionists  Also considered a social and political movement

“EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP”

JUST HOW CHALLENGING IS GRAFFITI?  Artistic abilities  Creative ideas and innovate techniques  Understanding of history and culture

WHAT DID I LEARN?  Graffiti is not simply vandalism, but also a legitimate art form  Graffiti can serve as an accurate representation of a community’s values and unify seemingly different people

Rich Powell, local artist MY MENTOR  Known for his Weekly Cartoon “Dixie Drive”

MY PRODUCT

OBSTACLES  Finding a mentor  Finding time to set aside for my graduation project  Developing an acceptable product

Q & A  Thank you for your time  Any questions, comments, or concerns?