Graffiti Fun.1

Graffiti is writing or drawing on a surface without permission in a public space. Graffiti can be words, patterns, symbols or elaborate painting.

Graffiti has been around for thousands of years. Walls of caves have been carved and painted and the ancient Romans and Greeks drew symbols wrote their names and poems on buildings.

The word Graffiti is based on an Italian word ‘Graffio’ which means ‘to scratch’.

Modern Graffiti started to appear in America in the 1960’s. It has since appeared all over the world and even though it is sometimes seen as damaging it can have the opposite effect. It can cover up and bring life to dull derelict buildings and can be used as a form of communication. It can give a strong social or political message and not all Graffiti is illegal.

These days Graffiti is seen all over the world on buildings, vehicles, walls and pavements.

Anyone can create Graffiti Art but there are several well- known Graffiti Artists you may have heard of; Banksy, Kieth Harring and Jean- Michel Basquiat.

These are by Kieth Harring, he is from the USA.

These are by Banksy, he is from Britian.

These are by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a French American.

Art activity.Can you write your name, your initial or a word in a Graffiti style or in the style of one of the above artists? It could be a word about how you’re feeling during this strange time we are all in; frustrated, annoyed, sad, worried, bored…….(no swear words please!) or it could be a message of hope.

You can use pencil, pens, paint, chalks etc and you can do this on paper, cardboard, a box, a piece of wood, etc.

Be as creative as you can and explore, experiment and have fun! Don’t forget to photograph your work, I’ll make a display when we all get back to school. You may also enjoy looking at; Tate for kids (Graffiti and Street Art) and Kieth harrings-‘running Heart’ on youtube.