graffiti

Graffiti is broadly defined as writing, drawings, or images applied to surfaces in public or semi-public spaces without official permission. It ranges from simple tags to elaborate murals and can be executed with spray paint, markers, stickers, or wheatpaste. Some graffiti is created legally as commissioned street art or community murals.

The practice has ancient precedents in locations such as Pompeii, but modern graffiti emerged in the late 20th century in urban centers of the United States, especially New York and Philadelphia, where artists developed tagging, throw-ups, and large colorfully lettered pieces that spread through subcultures linked to hip hop and youth communities.

Common forms include tagging (stylized signatures), throw-ups (quick, bubble-letter marks), and pieces (large, complex murals). Techniques involve freehand spray painting, stencil work, marker writing, and, in some cases, paste-ups or sticker art. Artists often operate in crews and maintain pseudonyms.

Legally, graffiti status varies by jurisdiction. Many places prohibit defacement and pursue penalties, while others encourage street art by designating legal walls or commissioning murals. Debates center on property rights, urban expression, and the potential for revitalizing neighborhoods as well as concerns about vandalism and maintenance costs.

Culturally, graffiti is a form of urban expression that can convey identity, political messages, or social commentary. It has influenced design and advertising and sparked efforts to preserve or integrate it within public art programs. The field remains contested, with evolving practices and legal frameworks.