#graffiti project

C-1 art project (graffiti writing)

The word GRAFFITI simply means--words or drawings scratched or scribbled on a wall. The word comes from the Greek term "graphein" (to write) and the word "graffiti" itself is plural of the Italian word "graffito."

Having always been enamored with graffiti and subversive artistic styles, I naturally became aware of the street art trends in Richmond and felt a duty to document the work I discover and promote acceptance and understanding of humanity's oldest form of expression. 

As it pertains to Richmond, my primary research is on tags or throw-ups for serial local artists (not "toys"), but will also include more advanced work from regional artists that have made their mark on River City on the trains, highways and odd nooks around.  Stickering, yarn-bombs, and the occasional commissioned wall mural will make an appearance, because it all contributes to the scene.  It's not all good work, but everyone starts scribbling somewhere.  With enough time and dedication to developing a signature style and practicing with the materials (spray paint, yarn, Sharpie, tar, ribbon, sticker, etc)...serious artists emerge from the shadows.  This "graffiti project" as I've been referring to it, will be an investigation that may not ever find a true focus or final statement about graffiti culture in RVA, but will evolve as the scene presents itself or disappears via intentional cover-ups, wash-outs or the ever problematic "slashing".

Check out the posted links for graffiti terminology and the "wiki" re-cap of graffiti history. 

Stay tuned, this is about to get really....COLORFUL.