Graffiti has become a part of our everyday lives. Whether it’s on walls or buildings, it’s everywhere. What started as a rebellious act has become a form of art.
The diversity and popularity of this art have birthed different types of graffiti worldwide. Graffiti was initially created to express oneself through words and images.
Today, it’s also used to protest against authority figures and political leaders. Graffiti artists create their pieces using spray paint, markers, pens, and other tools.
There are several different types of graffiti, each with its unique style. Here are some common types of graffiti you should know.
1. Tagging or Tag
This is the most basic type of graffiti. It consists of a name written in large letters. Tags can be found anywhere, including public places like bus stops and sidewalks. They’re often done by teenagers who want to show off their names.
2. Throw ups
Older teens and adults usually do these. They consist of phrases from magazines or newspapers, creatively written more colorfully. Furthermore, this type of art may include messages about love and life.
Although this type of graffiti is similar to tags, it takes a sophisticated approach as it incorporates bubble-style writing and a variety of colors.
3. Scribble
Scrawlings are usually done quickly using a pen or marker. They tend to be messy but have a raw quality that makes them very interesting. Despite the unorganized way of creating this graffiti, scribbles are considered naturally aesthetic.
4. Blockbusters
These are larger than scribbles and are often done in black-and-white. They were traditionally only seen on walls but can be found anywhere today. They are usually done by gangs and crews who want to make a statement.
Furthermore, the artist usually uses stencils or spray paints to make them look more realistic. A blockbuster is generally massive and takes a lot of time to complete.
Graffiti artists often use rollers or blocks to make the letters. Examples of famous blockbuster graffiti artists include Egg, Nekst, and Katu.
5. Wildstyle
A wildstyle piece is entirely random. Sometimes, it looks like someone just threw up on a wall. Other times, it seems like an abstract painting.
Wildstyle graffiti is also text-based, but it uses elaborate fonts that can be difficult to see.
The legibility does not make it unappealing; instead, it is generally perceived as one of the most visually appealing tagging styles.
Complex and interlocking letters, spikes, arrows, and other decorative elements are included in this intricate artwork.
Also, multiple colors are often used to create wildstyle art; the artist may even paint a background.
6. Abstract Graffiti
Abstract art should be visually pleasing to the viewer. These types of graffiti don’t need any messages or words; its visuals are more important than anything else.
Abstract graffiti focuses on the composition and arrangement of the colors used. The images are created by combining different shapes and colors.
7. 3D Graffiti
3D Graffiti art is exciting because it looks like you’re looking into a mirror or a window. This type of artwork is prevalent among people who love art.
A piece is a 3D graffiti painting similar to a tag but more complex than a simple tag. Parts are more challenging to legally complete than tags, so a good piece gains a lot of respect from the artist.
As graffiti has become more respected as an art form, many pieces have been commissioned, or at least the artists have been permitted to put them on public property. Furthermore, people who do this graffiti often make a lot of money.
8. Realistic Sidewalk Graffiti
Many artists are talented enough to draw realistic images on the sidewalks. These types of graffiti appear so real that one may confuse them with original objects. One typical example is fake potholes created on the sidewalks.
These types of graffiti are also considered 3D imagery and are uncommon in public places, unlike other types of graffiti.
9. Graffiti of Public Figures
You would likely find imagery of famous personalities in graffiti form. Public figures, from politicians to film actors and musicians, are common subjects to graffiti artists. For example, Bob Marley is a prevalent graffiti subject in Jamaica.
These types of graffiti are usually done to immortalize a public figure or as a fan’s effort to get the celebrity’s attention. The graffiti work generally includes famous quotes or messages from such personalities.
10. Mular Spray Painting
Muralists paint murals on walls, buildings, etc. They use spray cans and stencils to create their masterpieces. Some molars paint over existing graffiti, while others leave it alone.
Mular spray paintings are typical street art created without asking anyone’s permission. Usually, these works are temporary, but some artists keep them up for months or years.
