grafiiti

Grafiiti, commonly spelled graffiti in English, refers to writing, drawings, or symbols applied to public surfaces, typically on walls or structures. The term comes from the Italian graffito, from Greek graphein, meaning to write. In many places grafiiti is a variant spelling or transliteration found in non-English contexts.

Historically, graffiti has ancient roots, with inscriptions on walls in Roman and other civilizations. The modern urban form emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly in New York City in the 1960s and 1970s, where tagging—simple signatures—grew into more elaborate styles and mural-like pieces. The practice spread globally, becoming a prominent feature of street culture and, in many cases, a subject of public policy and debate.

Styles and methods vary. Tagging is the most basic form, while throw-ups are quickly executed two- or three-color marks. Pieces, or murals, are more complex, often featuring stylized lettering known as wildstyle. Other approaches include stencils, stickers, wheatpaste posters, and large-scale murals. Common tools include spray paint, markers, brushes, and occasionally digital or projection-based works for temporary installations.

Legal status ranges from outright prohibition to sanctioned, commissioned public art. Many cities designate legal walls, festivals, or municipal programs to support murals, while others pursue removal and penalties for unauthorized work. Graffiti has sparked discussions about property rights, urban space, and the boundaries between vandalism and street art, influencing contemporary art, design, and cultural identity.

Notable practitioners include artists who began with graffiti and later gained wider recognition, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Banksy, among others. The field continues to evolve with social media, evolving aesthetics, and new forms of community storytelling.