1.1 What is graffiti?

The term “graffiti” derives from the Greek graphein (“to write”). Graffiti (s. graffito), meaning a drawing or scribbling on a flat surface, originally referred to those marks found on ancient Roman architecture. Examples of graffiti have been found at such sites as Pompeii, the Domus Aurea of Emperor Nero (AD 54-68) in Rome, Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli and the Maya site of Tikal in Mesoamerica. Thus we can state that graffiti is found worldwide and has existed since man could hold an implement in his hand to draw. Having its traces in ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, graffiti is a form of art, drawings or words, which are marked on public surfaces. Graffiti has been found on uncovered, ancient Egyptian monuments, these writings were preserved on walls in Pompeii. Graffiti is the plural form of the Italian word grafficar. In plural, grafficar signifies drawings, markings, patterns, scribbles, or messages that are painted, written, or carved on a wall or surface. Grafficar also signifies “to scratch” in reference to different wall writings ranging from “cave paintings”, bathroom scribbles, or any message that is scratched on walls.

In reference to present day graffiti, the definition of it is qualified by adding that graffiti is also any unsolicited marking on a private or public property that is usually considered to be vandalism. Phenomenon of graffiti, though hated and even fought cannot be denied as a fact in our modern world – the world of urbanization, new materials, such as concrete and metal, gray, large, empty space with no life ... such as today’s abandoned towns (The dead town of Chernobyl).

Graffiti exists as a paradoxical phenomenon—as both aesthetic practice and criminal activity. Its practitioners often vigorously assert its visual merit and its cultural value. Its detractors recommend its removal from urban streetscapes and the prosecution of graffiti writers. It has also become an issue of great significance within public discourse and public debate.

1.2 Origins and the History of Graffiti

The custom of writing on the walls to convey a specific content already had its origins in ancient times. Graffiti has been around for millions of years. Romans wrote on the walls of buildings they conquered and cave men drew illustrations on cave walls. Ancient sources indicate that after the battle of Athens Cheroneją the buildings there have been numerous inscriptions ridiculing of Philip II and Macedonian. In Rome there were also common inscriptions ridiculing or criticizing certain politicians, and even emperors (such as Nero). Subtitles are not always related to politics; often anonymous authors expressed in this way their admiration for some athletes, heater or other. Apart from its value in terms of self-expression, graffiti are also valuable primary sources for the historian. The linguist is interested in them because they are close to everyday speech, the paleographer can study changes in alphabet and calligraphy from them and the archaeologist can be helped to date a wall by the graffiti on it. There is always the possibility that historical events may be recorded either implicitly or explicitly by the presence of graffiti.

Graffiti can give us a unique view into the daily life and customs of people, for their casual expression encourages the recording of details that more formal writing would tend to ignore. 

Perhaps the most interesting examples of this are the graffiti relating to the gladiatorial contests held in Pompeii.

Graffiti in Pompeii in passageway to the large theatre.

In ancient times the term graffiti referred to figure drawings, wall carvings and inscriptions found on ancient ruins, throughout Pompeii, and within the Catacombs of Rome. The word evolved to include artistic vandalism. The first known example of “modern” graffiti exists in the Ephesus, an ancient Greek city that is now Turkey. The graffiti conveys a “for a good time” sign which appears near a long mosaic stone walkway. The sign includes a heart shape, a footprint, handprints, and figures. The hands represented how much the “good time” would cost, and the foot shows how many steps it would take to find the lover. Pompeii is a Roman city that depicts many examples of graffiti art – you’ll find, in Latin graffiti, magic instructions, insults, love declarations, signs for political campaigns, caricatures, and quotations from literature. Ancient graffiti is also found in Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli, in the Mayan site of Tikal in Guatemala, Viking graffiti in Rome, and vandalism art in Ireland at Newgrange Mound. And of course, we cannot write an article on graffiti art without mentioning Banksy. Banksy is a graffiti artist, painter and film director. His style is satirical with a bit of dark humor, with his trademark stenciling technique. His graffiti works often have social and political themes, usually on anti-war, anti-capitalism. Little is known of Banksy. No one knows his real name, his friends, what he does for a living, etc. But almost everyone in the art world is familiar with his style. Aside from addressing political and social issues in his pieces, his work often has a certain wit to it, a keen sense of humor that will make you laugh or at least smirk. Even celebrities and renowned artists have praised his works. Banksy seems to be quite a traveller, for his works have been seen around the world: aside from his homeland England, he is busy creating graffiti pieces in Australia, USA, France, Spain, Greece and even Palestine. Banksy has gained a huge number of followers around the world, but also gained a few enemies and critics. Some reject his works, saying it is just, essentially, vandalism. Whether you’re a fan or a foe, there is no doubt that Banksy is among the most influential artists in the modern art world.