Just graffiti, or something more?

Today I learnt something about graffiti. I was going to write about how most of the time it looks a mess, but I thought I’d look into the reasons for tagging because, for all I know one person’s mess is another’s hidden world.

I discovered that there are different forms of graffiti tags and that, while graffiti and making an individual’s mark on something has been around for centuries, tagging is a much more recent addition to the form, originating in the US in the 1960s and 1970s, with Darryl McCray of Philadelphia (going by the psudonym “Cornbread”) being widely seen as the first modern graffiti artist .

Tagging in it’s most basic form tends to be 2-dimensional designs, usually small in scale, and made with marker pens or spray paint. These are generally the pseudonym of the artist. Tags are usually quick to apply due to the often illegal nature of the activity and they are considered to be vandalism by many rather than having artistic intent. Most tags are unique, being distinguished by the artists style. Some take the form of “one-liners” where the tag is formed from a single stroke. Sometimes stickers containing the tag are used and these are known as “slap-ons”.

“Throw Ups” are a more elaborate version of the tagging form. These tend to be more detailed and greater in scale. They often take the form of bubble-letters, sometimes with a 3D relief incorporated into the design. Again, they are quick to apply and most often use spray paint.

“Pieces” are the most elaborate of these forms. Pieces being short for masterpieces. These take things to another level, often being carefully planned artworks consisting of coloured fills and intricate designs, often incorporating graphical features beyond the pseudonym of the artist. These are probably seen as the most acceptable form of graffiti and are sometimes used as commissioned pieces to discourage other less welcome forms of graffiti or sometimes to advertise businesses. Pieces originated in the 1980s on New York Subway trains.

While the picture today didn’t have graffiti as it’s primary focus when I shot it, the fact that tags and throw-ups can be sen on the walls beside the door led me to wonder about their meaning when coming to write today’s post. Every day’s a school-day!

Nikon F80, Nikkor 28-80mm f.3.5-5.6 AF-D & Kodak Portra 400. Lab developed. Home scanned and converted with Negative Lab Pro

Taken 20 August 2023.