Types of Graffiti and What Should be Considered Art
There are at least seven different types of graffiti, all of which will be featured below. Not all of those types should be considered art. Very few people consider tags to be art because of their simplicity and lack of context and technique. Stickers can be considered art depending on the size and effort put into the sticker, however almost everyone can agree that stencils, throw ups, and pieces should be considered art. All three types of graffiti take quite some time to produce, and are usually done to be more aesthetically pleasing or eye catching. These are also the types of art that are typically used by people trying to make political, religious, or ethical statements. Which just further adds to the context and meaning of the graffiti.
Tags
A stylized signature, normally done in one color. The simplest and most
prevalent type of graffiti, a tag is often done in a color that contrasts
sharply with its background. Tag can also be used as a verb meaning "to
sign". Writers often tag on or beside their pieces, following the practice of
traditional artists who sign their artwork.
prevalent type of graffiti, a tag is often done in a color that contrasts
sharply with its background. Tag can also be used as a verb meaning "to
sign". Writers often tag on or beside their pieces, following the practice of
traditional artists who sign their artwork.
Stickers
Also referred to as "labels" or "slaps". A sticker (often obtained from shipping
companies and name greeting labels) with the writer's tag on it. A sticker can
be deployed more quickly than other forms of graffiti, making it a favorite in
any public place such as crosswalk signs, newspaper dispensers, stop signs,
phone booths etc
companies and name greeting labels) with the writer's tag on it. A sticker can
be deployed more quickly than other forms of graffiti, making it a favorite in
any public place such as crosswalk signs, newspaper dispensers, stop signs,
phone booths etc
Stencils
Stencils where first used in graffiti by Blek le Rat in the early 80's. This new
quick way of producing street art quickly spread and has inspired very famous
graffiti artists such as Banksy, and Professor Brainwash. Stenciling is
preferred by many because of the speed it allows the painter to produce
large pieces of complex art almost perfectly. These stencils are produced before hand and then
taken with them to the painting sight where they are spray painted over.
quick way of producing street art quickly spread and has inspired very famous
graffiti artists such as Banksy, and Professor Brainwash. Stenciling is
preferred by many because of the speed it allows the painter to produce
large pieces of complex art almost perfectly. These stencils are produced before hand and then
taken with them to the painting sight where they are spray painted over.
Throw Ups
Throw ups are typically a two-color work designed to be executed quickly. Throw
ups are more complex than a tag, but less elaborate than a piece.
ups are more complex than a tag, but less elaborate than a piece.
Pieces
Pieces (short form of masterpieces), are usually considered the artist's best work. They are also considered to be the most elaborate and beautiful types of graffiti. They are done with more composition and usually contain some 3-D aspect, as well as many colors, color-transitions, arrows, or other effects. Pieces require more paint that throw ups and can earn the artist more respect or a better reputation when done successfully. Many pieces are full on pictures and not just graffiti style words or lettering.
New Age Graffiti
Technically new age graffiti doesn't fit under the legal definition of graffiti at all. There is no "graffiti materials" used in the production of either reverse graffiti or laser tagging so there's no legal reason that it shouldn't be considered art. There has been some amazing pieces done in both reverse graffiti and laser tagging. Because of the crack down on illegal graffiti new art styles and mediums like new age graffiti have been discovered. This just further the case for graffiti being art, because it shows the growth and development it's come through as our society grows and develops along side all other art forms.