Graffiti as an Art Form
Graffiti began in ancient times.
What do you think about Graffiti as an art form? I was going to write and article on the Evolution of Art Painting. So I Googled, "Evolution of Art Painting". Up came a list of 10 historical periods of painting in Art. Medieval, Early Renaissance, Northern Renaissance, High Renaissance, Mannerism, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Realism.
What??? The Medieval period is not when the first known paintings were painted! Not only that, come to find out, the first known paintings are also thought to be the first know Graffiti. Who knew? So, instead of writing about the "The Evolution of Art Painting," I had to allow the article to morph on it's own into "Graffiti as an Art Form"
Most people think of Graffiti as a more recent form of Art. Or, if when viewed negatively, some have called it "Artistic Vandalism." The definition of Graffiti as a noun is "writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place."
When did people first start painting? People started painting way before Medieval times that is for sure! Does a "cave dwelling" match the description of a "public Place?" I am relatively certain that cave dwellings back in the day were the only "public" places around. Or at least the only ones to last thousands of years! What is believed to be The oldest known Art in the World exists in caves in Indonesia. These are the earliest known paintings by humans. Not only that, they appear to be spray paintings and therefore have been called the earliest known graffiti.
As for modern graffiti, there have been some really talented graffiti artist. If I had to pick out a favorite modern day graffiti artist I would have to say "Alexandre Manuel Dias Farto" whose tag name is Vhils, is my favorite. He was born in Portugal and is known for his own unique style. He started in graffiti at the young age of 10 years old.
I find it very interesting that graffiti was one of the earliest known art forms, it still exists today and has kind of made a comeback in the last 50 years or so.
Happy creating!
Tammie
Host of Paints and Crafts
I posted this twice due to the fact that I thought it was posted under the Article heading to begin with. I didn't want to delete the original posting since there are so many good comments. Below is a link to the original post.
Happy creating!
Tammie
Host of Paints and Crafts
If you want to visit this place, it's called Ramhäll gruva (Ramhäll mine). I think it’s about 40 kilometers north-east of Uppsala, Sweden.
Best regards, Niklas 🎈
Wow! You have found several really nice graffiti art sites!!! Very nice!
Happy creating!
Tammie
Host of Paints and Crafts