The history of graffiti? The history of graffiti goes back to the 1960s in New York and has unique developments and influences. It all started with pseudonyms ‘tags’.

Early 1960s – 1970s graffiti started with its roots in New York, although many people think graffiti started in New York, there were also significant developments in Philadelphia, with artists such as Cornbread and Cool Earl starting the trend. In the 1970s – 1980s, graffiti became a massive subculture, especially among youth in the Bronx, Brooklyn and other boroughs. Trains and subways became the main canvas for graffiti artists. More complex styles and techniques emerged, such as ‘wildstyle’, characterized by complicated, often illegible letters and shapes.

Commercialization of graffiti in the 1980s – 1990s. Graffiti began to receive attention from the mainstream art world. Artists such as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat made the transition from the street to the gallery. Legal walls and projects emerged where artists could work freely without the threat of arrest.

The City of New York began aggressive campaigns against graffiti, with programs such as the ‘Clean Train Movement’ to remove graffiti from subway cars. Despite this, graffiti continued to develop, with a shift towards legal walls and street art.

Graffiti came to Europe in the early 1980s, influenced by hip-hop and breakdance culture from New York. Cities such as Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin became early centers of graffiti. The Berlin Wall became an important canvas for graffiti and political messages, especially on the West Berlin side.

European artists in the 1990s began to develop their own styles and techniques. Cities such as London, Barcelona, ​​and Milan became major hubs for graffiti. In cities such as Paris and Berlin, unique styles developed, often characterized by large, colorful pieces and complex letter shapes, the so-called ‘pieces’.

Many European cities started supporting legal graffiti walls and street art projects. Events such as the “Meeting of Styles” in various European cities brought together international artists.

The line between traditional graffiti and street art began to blur, with more attention paid to aesthetics and messages. Street art festivals, gallery exhibitions and commercial projects grew in popularity.

Graffiti in New York is considered the birthplace of the modern graffiti movement and has had an influence worldwide. It was closely linked to the rise of hip hop and other urban subcultures.

European graffiti developed quickly and became an important form of cultural expression. It often served as a vehicle for political and social commentary and gained greater recognition as a legitimate art form.

Graffiti continues to evolve to this day just like Graffitifun!