“Graffiti predates street art and street art draws its inspiration from graffiti,” states Stavsky.
To many passersby, it’s very common to confuse the two terms - Street Art and Graffiti, as both of them are compatible and refer to a fluid concept of literally and simply “art on the street”. Both are creative ways of expression by the artists and use the spray can as their main medium and the city walls as their main canvas.
Although you’d be right to assume graffiti and street art are similar, both types of art have differences in their own right. Mostly due to the different audiences they’re aimed at, the legality of each style and what the art depicts.
This article will shed light on the understanding of these two art forms, from their origins to their major differences. By clarifying these features, one will be able to differentiate between graffiti and street art.
Origin:
The idea of taking over the streets with art started with graffiti. Emerged in Philadelphia in 1967, graffiti was started as a creative pastime, repeatedly writing one’s name in the public spaces for limelight. Whereas the street art movement was born in the mid 1970s, directly from the graffiti flow.
Content & medium:
According to Will Gompertz, the arts editor of the BBC, street art’s popularity is connected to the fact that it originally explores current issues, often political. Graffiti is, on the other hand, mostly about the stylizing and embellishing of the writer’s name – without the need of any deep message or thought.
Techniques used:
Aerosol is one of the major factors that separates graffiti writers from other artists. Although street artists may use aerosol, they also employ everything from acrylic and oil paint to projectors, wood or metal, and multimodal materials. Graffiti is all about the freehand use of aerosol.
Intent and Purpose:
Street Art is often created with the intention of making a positive impact, focusing on self-expression, social commentary, and artistic exploration. Graffiti is typically associated with illicit markings, unauthorized tagging, and defacing property, often driven by rebellious motivations. Graffiti artists do not seek or want a public understanding of their work, they only create to speak with other graffiti artists in the community.
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Legal Status:
Graffiti refers to markings, photos, words, initials, or drawings that have been spray-painted, sketched, or even scratched onto publicly accessible areas. It is considered an unorthodox means of using public property and is illegal in many places. Street art, on the other hand, is permitted by the authorities and done by recognized artists. This is the reason why graffiti artists remain anonymous and work at night to hide their illegal activity. But in the end, both types of arts have their place in contemporary art forms.
Participation:
There is a hierarchy among graffiti artists which is to be respected. For instance, a beginner graffiti artist is now allowed to cross a piece by another graffiti artist with many years of practice. The street artists even encourage interaction with other artists on the street. Additionally, there is a recent kind of non-destructive participation that is becoming increasingly popular: a lot of street pieces leave blank space where people have the chance to pose with the artwork for photos.
Examples of Graffiti:
- 1. Tags
- 2. Throw-ups
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Examples of Street art:
1. Murals : Murals uses posters to display images in public places.
2. Wheatpaste : Wheatpaste uses posters to display images in public places. They’re also commonly used by activists to spread messages and increase public awareness of their cause.
Conclusion:
Understanding these distinctions helps us appreciate the diverse range of urban art and the complex narratives behind them. Whether it's the vibrant colors and intricate details of street art or the raw energy and lettering styles of graffiti, both forms contribute to the rich tapestry of artistic expressions that shape our cities. By acknowledging their unique characteristics, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the creativity and cultural significance they bring to our urban environments.
