Have you ever tried to imagine a New York City without graffiti? Take a second, close your eyes, and picture all the shades of gray blending together. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way and realized the purpose of this piece, let’s play a game to honor graffiti. 

Graffiti in New York City really took off during the 70’s along with the rise of other new art forms. The word graffiti simply means art that is done illicitly on public surfaces. Some of the major types of graffiti are; tags (the artist’s name), throw-ups or hollows (the iconic bubble letters), stickers (collaging), wheat paste (paper hanging), murals, stencils, etch (an acid marker to burn into surfaces), anti-style, calligraphy, and full color pieces. 

The following images were all taken in the West Village of Manhattan. Try to guess and see what kinds of graffiti are right under our campus noses. 

The drawing of a cow is an example of anti-style because it deliberately follows no artistic guidelines.

The photo of a bird on a door is a form of wheat pasting.

This pizzeria door is an example of stickering.

“King Baby” is a form of tagging left in multiple locations along these windows.

“Homesick” is an example of calligraphy. While still calligraphy, “homesick” is also the tag of an artist that can be found in other locations around the city.

“Darer” is a classic throw-up.