Graffiti, << gruh FEE tee, >> are words, drawings, or other marks scratched or painted on walls or other surfaces, especially in public places. Graffiti is the plural form of the Italian word graffito (little scratch). Graffiti have been used for communication, to mark territory, or for social, political, or creative expression. Some people consider graffiti a form of art. Others regard graffiti as vandalism.
People have created graffiti since ancient times. The ancient Romans made marks on walls and monuments to display magic spells, curses, literary quotations, political slogans, and declarations of love.
Today, spray paint, marker pens, and stencils are among the most common materials used in graffiti. Graffiti writers or artists often identify themselves with signatures or symbols called tags. Many people associate graffiti with gang activity. Gang members often mark their territory with graffiti.
A number of notable artists have used elements of graffiti in their work, including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring of the United States. Some people regard graffiti as a kind of street art associated with the hip-hop cultural movement.
See also Basquiat, Jean-Michel ; Gang ; Haring, Keith ; Hip-hop ; Painting (Neoexpressionism) .
