According to the Cambridge English Dictionary “Graffiti” means writings or drawings made on surfaces in public places . Words or drawings, especially humorous, rude, or political, on walls, doors, etc. in public places. Graffiti has been around for thousands of years. And across that span of time, it’s raised the same questions we debate now: Is it art? Is it vandalism?
The first known example of "modern style" graffiti survives in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus (in modern-day Turkey). Local guides say it is an advertisement for prostitution. Located near a mosaic and stone walkway, the graffiti shows a handprint that vaguely resembles a heart, along with a footprint and a number. This is believed to indicate that a brothel was nearby, with the handprint symbolizing payment. In 1940, a group of French teenagers stumbled upon paintings inside the Lascaux Caves in southwestern France. The rudimentary drawings of animals, human figures, and abstract signs drawn on the walls of the caves go back to 17,000 BP. In 1971, the New York Times published an article about then-teenage graffiti artist TAKI 183. The article was groundbreaking. For the first time, not only discussing graffiti but speaking with an artist and getting insight into why they do what they do. Which would become the hotbed of activity that would influence graffiti art around the world.
The modern-day graffiti artist can be found with an arsenal of various materials that allow for a successful production of a piece.[41] This includes such techniques as scribing. However, spray paint in aerosol cans is the number one medium for graffiti. From this commodity comes different styles, technique, and abilities to form master works of graffiti. Spray paint can be found at hardware and art stores and comes in virtually every color.
There is a significant graffiti tradition in South America, especially in Brazil. Within Brazil, São Paulo is a significant centre of inspiration for many graffiti artists worldwide. Graffiti in the Middle East is emerging slowly, with pockets of taggers operating in the various 'Emirates' of the United Arab Emirates, in Israel, and in Iran. There are also a large number of graffiti influences in Southeast Asian countries that mostly come from modern Western culture, such as Malaysia, where graffiti have long been a common sight in Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur.
Graffiti artists constantly have the looming threat of facing consequences for displaying their graffiti. Many choose to protect their identities and reputation by remaining anonymous. One often associates graffiti with vandalism, but over the past 40 years, graffiti art has proved to be much more than kids writing on walls. From its start as a New York subculture to the international explosion of street art, graffiti has slowly invaded contemporary culture.