grafiitistas

Grafiitistas are artists who practice graffiti, a form of visual urban art produced on public or private surfaces. They work with aerosol paint, markers, stickers, and stencils to create letters, characters, and large murals that communicate messages, signatures, or aesthetic ideas.

The practice originated in the late 1960s and 1970s in cities such as New York and Philadelphia, spreading to Europe and other regions in the following decades. It developed from tagging—the simple signature of a writer—to more complex compositions known as pieces or murals.

Common styles include wildstyle, which features interconnected letters; throw-ups, quick two- or three-color formats; and pieces, high-detail works that can cover large walls. Techniques also include stencil work, wheatpaste, and the use of different caps to vary spray patterns.

Many grafiitistas operate within crews for collaboration and protection, and they may participate in legal walls or sanctioned festivals; however, illegal painting remains a significant aspect of the subculture. Cities grapple with balancing artistic expression and property rights, deploying policies and legal graffiti walls.

The scene has influenced contemporary art and street culture; some writers have achieved gallery representation or commissioned murals, while debates continue about vandalism versus public art.

Notable figures associated with graffiti and street art include Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Shepard Fairey, who began with graffiti practices and later reached broader audiences.