Graffiti Art

Graffiti Art

Graffiti art is a term used to describe images or text that are typically spray-painted onto buildings.

Graffiti art originated in 1970s New York, where young individuals used spray paint and other materials to create images on buildings and subway train sides. This form of graffiti varies from vibrant, intricate graphics (known as wildstyle) to stylized monograms (tags).

While traditional graffiti is not often found in galleries or museums, its aesthetic has influenced artists' work. Early adopters of graffiti in art included the French artist Jean Dubuffet, who incorporated tags and graphic elements into his paintings, and New York artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, considered pioneers of street art.

In more recent times, famous graffiti artists like Barry McGee and Banksy have had their work showcased in commercial spaces.

11 results found for "Graffiti Art"

essay

Are graffiti tags the purest art form?

Tagging offers no reward beyond the rush of its creation, and the chance to be part of something bigger.

Are graffiti tags the purest art form?
video

Barry McGee

This iconic artist has been doing graffiti for over 40 years. World-class museums and galleries revere his work, but he’s never stopped tagging the streets.

Barry McGee
interview

Inside INSA's Collection

INSA is a self-described Graffiti Fetishist. Over his 15 year career, the anonymous artist has added his signature black and pink throw-up to walls, clothing and more recently NFTs. He’s also amassed an enviable art collection featuring works by legends like Murakami and ROIDS. His 'hunter-collector mindset' doesn’t stop at art, he spoke to Avant Arte about his 452 Gundam Robots, 2000 nudie lighters and the rocks that cover his house.

Inside INSA's Collection
article

José Parlá: The Founders

Read a text written by José Parlá to accompany the timed release of our our latest collaboration, The Founders.

José Parlá: The Founders
Print

Besito

In Besito, Imon Boy illuminates a moment of intimacy in eerie blue light.The Spanish graffiti artist uses an exclusively blue, black and white palette to capture an interaction between a couple. The two figures are distorted by the water, alluded to only by subtle white lines on the surface.Each of the 20 prints have been individually hand-finished by the artist in acrylic paint.

Besito
Print

The Observer 4

Through Dada-esque portraits, Paul Insect explores freedom and identity in the age of the internet.The Observer 4 typifies how the artist simultaneously hides and reveals his subjects in paint, print and collage, inspired by his roots as a graffiti artist.

The Observer 4
Print

The Observer 3

Through Dada-esque portraits, Paul Insect explores freedom and identity in the age of the internet.The Observer 3 typifies how the artist simultaneously hides and reveals his subjects in paint, print and collage, inspired by his roots as a graffiti artist.

The Observer 3
Print

The Observer 2

Through Dada-esque portraits, Paul Insect explores freedom and identity in the age of the internet.The Observer 2 typifies how the artist simultaneously hides and reveals his subjects in paint, print and collage, inspired by his roots as a graffiti artist.

The Observer 2
Print

The Observer 1

Through Dada-esque portraits, Paul Insect explores freedom and identity in the age of the internet.The Observer 1 typifies how the artist simultaneously hides and reveals his subjects in paint, print and collage, inspired by his roots as a graffiti artist.

The Observer 1
Print

The Reflection (Red)

Through Dada-esque portraits, Paul Insect explores freedom and identity in the age of the internet.The Reflection (Red) exemplifies the artist's distinct blending of bold colours and collage, inspired by his roots as a graffiti artist.

The Reflection (Red)
Print

The Reflection (Blue)

Through Dada-esque portraits, Paul Insect explores freedom and identity in the age of the internet.The Reflection (Blue) exemplifies the artist's distinct blending of bold colours and collage, inspired by his roots as a graffiti artist.

The Reflection (Blue)

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Your questions, answered

Parra's studio, with Parra at the centre, his back to the camera as he works on the large painting takes centre stage, showing a faceless blue woman in a striped dress, painted in red, purple, blue and teal. The studio is full of brightly coloured paints, with a large window on the right and a patterned rug across the floor under the painting.