Quick Answer
The answer to the crossword clue “What do you call words or drawings that have been sprayed on walls” is graffiti. Graffiti refers to writings or drawings made on a wall or other surface, usually without permission. So graffiti is the term used to describe unauthorized words or art sprayed on walls and other surfaces.
More Detailed Answer
Graffiti is the most common answer for crossword clues referring to unauthorized words or drawings sprayed on walls. Here are some key facts about graffiti:
- Graffiti comes from the Italian word “graffiare” meaning “to scratch.” It refers to markings made on walls or other surfaces.
- Modern graffiti originated in U.S. inner cities, especially Philadelphia and New York City, in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Early graffiti consisted mainly of “tags” – stylized signatures of the writers’ street names. It later evolved into more complex street art and murals.
- Spray paint became the preferred medium for graffiti writers because it was inexpensive, quick-drying, and could create bold, colorful designs.
- Graffiti writing and street art are now common worldwide and range from crude vandalism to elaborate paintings. Some works and artists are considered highly artistic.
- Because it is usually created without permission, graffiti is technically considered vandalism and illegal. However, attitudes have shifted, and graffiti is now accepted and celebrated in some public places.
So in summary, the crossword answer referring to unauthorized writings or drawings sprayed on walls is “graffiti.” This is the standard term used for such artwork done without permission. While technically illegal, graffiti has become appreciated by many as a colorful form of street art when done with skill and creativity.
The History and Evolution of Graffiti
Graffiti has a long history, evolving over time from simplistic markings to elaborate street art. Here is an overview of how graffiti developed:
- Ancient Graffiti – The origins of graffiti date back thousands of years to ancient civilizations, such as the Romans, Greeks, and Mayans, who scratched or painted words and drawings onto walls and ruins.
- 1920s-1950s – Modern graffiti emerged as political statements and gang markings became common in major U.S. cities in the 1920s-1950s.
- 1960s-70s – Graffiti exploded as a subculture among youth in Philadelphia and New York City. Writers started leaving “tags” as their identity.
- 1980s – The graffiti art movement grew. Writers started creating murals and “pieces” (more elaborate paintings). Graffiti spread worldwide.
- 1990s-2000s – Graffiti and street art gained more mainstream appreciation and recognition as an artistic form of expression.
- Today – Graffiti continues to develop with new styles and techniques. Both illegal tags and legal street art exist around the world.
Graffiti has transformed from simple scribbles to a sophisticated art form over decades of creative development. Writers have incorporated advanced techniques like stenciling, stickers, poster art, video projections, and 3D sculptures. While still controversial, graffiti is now recognized as a legitimate artistic movement.
Common Terms and Types of Graffiti
Graffiti has its own vocabulary of unique terms for the different styles and forms of urban street art. Here are some key graffiti words and types:
- Tag – The signature or name of the graffiti writer done in a stylized script, usually just an outline. This is the simplest and most common type of graffiti.
- Throw Up – A quickly-done bubble-shaped letter outline filled in with a single color.
- Piece – A large, complex graffiti painting that incorporates characters, symbols and other design elements.
- Burner – An impressive, high-quality piece.
- Blockbuster – An extremely large, detailed piece done in a difficult spot.
- Heaven – Graffiti in hard-to-reach spots like rooftops.
- 3D Graffiti – Three dimensional lettering or figures created through advanced techniques.
- Sticker Art – Small graffiti drawings or messages printed on stickers and pasted around public spaces.
There are many other forms of graffiti with their own creative labels that continue to advance the style and technical elements of this street art movement.
Notable Graffiti Artists
While graffiti developed as an anonymous underground art form, some prolific writers and artists have become renowned in the graffiti and street art world. Here are some of the most influential and famous graffiti artists over the decades:
Artist | Location | Era | Style Legacy |
---|---|---|---|
Cornbread | Philadelphia | 1960s | Graffiti pioneer known for coining the term “tag.” |
Taki 183 | New York City | 1960s-70s | One of the first writers to gain media attention; helped spread graffiti culture. |
Futura 2000 | New York City | 1970s-80s | Abstract style paintings; one of first graffiti artists to transition to galleries. |
Lady Pink | New York City | 1970s-80s | First prominent female graffiti writer; known for subway car murals. |
Seen | New York City | 1980s | Pioneer of 3D graffiti lettering and murals. |
Banksy | England | 1990s-today | Internationally known anonymous street artist known for political messages. |
While just a small sample, these innovators represent the origins and growth of graffiti from its early days as a niche urban art form into a highly skilled creative medium embraced around the world today.
Graffiti in Pop Culture
As graffiti has grown from an underground movement to gaining mainstream appreciation, it has influenced and been featured in many forms of pop culture:
- Movies – Classic films like Beat Street (1984), Wild Style (1982), and Style Wars (1983) documented the early graffiti culture. More recent movies like Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010) explored street art.
- Television – Graffiti art has been featured on shows like The Get Down, Billions, and Luke Cage.
- Music – Hip hop and rap culture have long been intertwined with graffiti. Artists like The Ramones, Sonic Youth, and the Beastie Boys have referenced graffiti.
- Fashion – Graffiti has influenced streetwear and been incorporated in major brands like Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Adidas.
- Advertising – Graffiti techniques like murals and stickers are now used in marketing campaigns.
- Video Games – Graffiti tagging gameplay features in titles like Jet Set Radio and GTA Vice City.
The distinct lettering, color palettes, and anti-establishment attitude of illegal graffiti have filtered through to mainstream pop culture in diverse ways. Both commercial and artistic media have embraced and been inspired by graffiti style.
Legal Status of Graffiti
A key issue surrounding graffiti is its legal status. Since most traditional forms of graffiti involve painting on private or public property without permission, graffiti is technically considered vandalism and a criminal offense in most jurisdictions. However, enforcement can be complicated and subjective. Here are some key legal considerations around graffiti:
- In most countries, graffiti on private property without consent is punishable by fines or jail time if the vandal is caught.
- Writing on or damaging public property like trains, bridges, and buses is also illegal and carries more severe punishments due to greater costs.
- In some cities, creating graffiti, possessing spray paint cans, or even cleaning supplies near graffiti can be criminal offenses.
- Legal penalties tend to target more serious vandalism, while simple “tagging” often goes unenforced.
- There are exceptions. Graffiti is allowed in some designated “free walls” and districts. Street art murals are often permitted if approved.
- Attitudes are shifting to recognize graffiti as an art form, but unauthorized writing is still technically illegal.
The debate continues around how to balance graffiti as artistic expression and illegal destruction of property. But in general, graffiti done without permission on private or public spaces remains technically subject to vandalism laws and punishable if the vandals are caught.
Graffiti Around the World
Graffiti has spread in popularity across the globe in diverse cultures. Here’s a look at some key areas where graffiti has developed unique styles and prominence:
- New York City – Where modern graffiti originated. Subway trains were known worldwide for colorful elaborate “burners” in the 1970s-80s.
- Los Angeles – LA graffiti has distinctive “Cholo” black and white lettering influenced by Mexican muralists.
- São Paulo – Home to the famous, massive outdoor graffiti works of Brazilian twins Os Gêmeos.
- Paris – Known for poetic stencil street art by artist Blek Le Rat starting in the 1980s.
- Berlin – After the fall of the Berlin Wall, graffiti exploded in the emerging artistic communities.
- Mexico – Influenced by the Mexican mural art movement, graffiti is prominent in Mexico City and Tepito.
- Barcelona – Graffiti aesthetics are vibrant in the Mediterranean port city.
With its origins in Philadelphia and New York, graffiti has spread to major cities worldwide but evolved distinctive styles, artists, and movements rooted in each culture. It remains a dynamic global art form.
Graffiti’s Cultural Impact
Though often dismissed as a nuisance in its early days, graffiti has had a significant cultural impact over time.
- Graffiti is recognized as a legitimate artistic genre and form of self-expression for marginalized communities.
- It has influenced other art forms like graphic design, fashion, photography, and advertising.
- Graffiti has played a role in shaping hip hop, skateboard, punk rock, and other youth-driven subcultures.
- It has beautified neighborhoods and added striking visual elements to urban environments.
- Graffiti communicates social and political messages to the public in visceral ways.
- As an art form with counter-culture origins, graffiti serves as a symbol of youthful rebellion and nonconformity.
Despite its outlaw origins, graffiti has had far-reaching cultural effects. Over time, societies have gained an appreciation for graffiti as artistic social commentary rather than dismissing it as a nuisance. Graffiti has left a lasting mark on the visual landscape of cities and the art world.
Graffiti Arguments
There are ongoing debates around graffiti. Some of the common arguments include:
Against Graffiti:
- It is vandalism and destruction of property.
- Graffiti promotes further urban decay in run-down areas.
- It is associated with gang culture and crime.
- Graffiti is a public nuisance and eyesore.
- Taxpayer dollars are wasted on graffiti removal.
In Favor of Graffiti:
- It beautifies blank public spaces and adds color to urban environments.
- Graffiti can increase community engagement and tourism.
- It provides an expressive creative outlet for youth.
- Graffiti murals and street art qualify as legitimate art forms.
- Some graffiti has artistic merit and cultural value.
There are reasonable arguments on both sides. In recent decades, views seem to be shifting more in favor of at least some forms of graffiti as colorful public art if done with permission rather than blight. But unauthorized graffiti continues to be considered vandalism by most governing bodies and law enforcement.
Graffiti’s Uncertain Future
The future path of graffiti is unclear. Some possible directions include:
- More cities embrace street art and commission murals, diverting graffiti into legal channels.
- Graffiti solidifies its status as a respected art form like photography or sculpture.
- Writers grow tired of mainstream acceptance and graffiti returns to its underground roots.
- Advanced technology like drones enables graffiti in new, inaccessible spots.
- Increased enforcement and fines virtually eliminate illegal graffiti.
- A new generation shapes the look and attitude of graffiti in unpredictable ways.
Graffiti has constantly evolved since its origins. It will likely continue growing in new directions rather than fading away. But its eventual acceptance or rejection from mainstream society is still being determined.
Conclusion
In summary, the crossword clue answer “words or drawings sprayed on walls” refers unambiguously to “graffiti.” Graffiti encompasses any unauthorized writings or images painted on surfaces in public view. This art form emerged from inner cities to spread globally as both counter-culture vandalism and artistic social messaging. Graffiti continues to provoke debate on issues around creative expression, public space, property, crime, and freedom. But its cultural contributions and artistic innovations have helped legitimize graffiti as a significant movement no longer limited to being dismissed as a nuisance. The only certainty is that graffiti will continue evolving in the streets, for better or worse.