“The Cultural Journey of Graffiti – From Giuliani’s Crackdown to Christie’s Auctions and Living Room Galleries”
Decades after former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani targeted graffiti in a controversial “civic clean-up” initiative, the art form has transcended its rebellious roots to become a symbol of urban regeneration and a sought-after interior design element. Rudy Giuliani’s belief that “eliminating graffiti would make the city a more attractive place to do business” has been turned on its head, with street art projects contributing significantly to the evolution of cities worldwide.
Graffiti has a rich history, from Roman Empire wall inscriptions to the Napoleonic soldiers carving their names, but its contemporary form found life in 1960s America. Darryl McCray, known as Cornbread, declared his love on the walls of North Philadelphia, marking the birth of modern graffiti art. In the 1970s, the art of “bombing” emerged, with names like Dondi, Taki 183, and Tracy 168 gaining notoriety, especially as their works adorned New York City’s subway trains.
Giuliani’s “Broken Windows” push in the 1990s aimed to eradicate graffiti, viewing it as a sign of urban decay. However, as tagging turned into mural art, graffiti started gaining recognition in artistic circles. The United Graffiti Artists organized the first real graffiti exhibition in 1973, setting the stage for street art’s journey into mainstream appreciation.
Artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring played pivotal roles in graffiti’s cultural crossover, with their works from the 1980s now fetching millions at auctions. Today, street art is a key driver of urban regeneration globally, turning areas with art-adorned walls into creative hubs. While graffiti and street art coexist with distinct characteristics, both have influenced the trajectory of modern art.
The relationship between street art and gentrification remains a complex debate. A study by Warwick Business School in 2016 linked street art photographs on Flickr to increased property values in London, showcasing the impact of art on cultural development and tourism. Areas like Williamsburg in Brooklyn and Shoreditch in London have experienced positive effects due to street art, attracting cultural enthusiasts and tourists.
Despite the commercialization of street art, purists may question the authenticity of graffiti in a gallery setting. However, the broad appeal and accessibility of street art make it a democratic form of artistic expression. Street artists often operate outside traditional gallery systems, using social media, merchandise, documentaries, and exhibitions to reach a wider audience.
While iconic names like Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Basquiat may be out of reach for most, there are alternatives for bringing urban creativity into home collections. Art specialist Victoria Gramm suggests exploring works by artists who collaborated with Basquiat and Haring, such as LA II and Rammellzee, both underappreciated contributors to the graffiti movement.
The evolution of graffiti from a symbol of rebellion to a globally recognized art form mirrors the dynamic nature of urban spaces and the ever-changing perspectives on artistic expression. As street art continues to influence cultural landscapes and interior design trends, the writing on the wall tells a story of creativity, rebellion, and the enduring power of artistic expression.