Graffiti as Communication
Hello everyone,
For our ETEC 540 video documentary, we decided to research and create a production on graffiti. We decided to examine the history and impact of graffiti for multiple reasons. The two of us were interested in creating a video documentary that examines a subject we were both interested in. We initially saw how graffiti could be used as a form of communication in our society and we wanted to know more.
YouTube:
Our Paper:
Hope you enjoy…
Matthew & Breanna
Hello Matthew and Breanna.
I had to watch your video because I wanted to choose graffiti in the beginning but then noticed you had beaten me to the punch. I am glad that you did because I don’t think I could have done such a wonderful job. The music is perfect and the transitions are really sleek. The overall look is quite appealing.
The ‘open source’ idea is very interesting. I struggled with the copyright issue while making my video. The creative commons is growing but there is still an incredible amount of literature under lock and key. Graffiti really turns the tables on that paradigm and actually needs to be interacted with in a public way in order to achieve its function.
I also found it interesting that much graffiti is of the “steve wuz here” variety. Some things never change. The historical context that you provided really changed my view on what graffiti is and where it came from.
Thanks.
Hi Stephen,
Thank you for the compliment! We truly appreciate it and enjoyed making a video that highlighted the historical context and uses of graffiti as communication. I really think it’s an interesting topic that has a lot to offer throughout its history. When we first began writing the ideas down we had a difficult time narrowing our focus.
Since we often associate graffiti with gang tags now it can be easy to overlook the history. It was also hard to focus on pre digital time period as there are so many captivating things about modern graffiti. For example, I became aware of a language used with train riders in North America. During their extensive travels, transients (hobos) in the US learned to leave notes for each other, giving information on the best places to camp or find a meal, or dangers that lay ahead. This was unique code (called the Hobo Code) was known to the brotherhood of freight train riders and used by all to keep the community of traveling workers safe, fed and in work.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobo
I was also speaking with a friend who is very into the graffiti scene. He recommended I watch these videos to get some perspective on modern graffiti. Here are the links if anyone is interested:
Art of Conflict (on Netflix)
The murals of Northern Ireland are an expression of the region’s violent Troubles. ‘The Art of Conflict’ examines these murals through their painters and the people who live there, exploring this unique street art’s impact, purpose, and future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8tLJMeZgSg
These two are more gritty…
Infamy:
A feature-length documentary about graffiti culture as told through the experiences of six well-known graffiti writers and a graffiti buffer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSTZTxiGOmg
Dirty Handz 3:
In this you will follow graffiti writers crushing subway systems in Paris, London, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Hamburg, Berlin and finally New York..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uLJIBWn61U
Anyway, thanks again! I feel it’s an understudied topic,
::: Matt
What an interesting topic. I have always viewed graffiti as a nuisance or vandalism. Your video has brought perspective to this topic, and I will now try to appreciate the message the artist is trying to convey. Although, I could do without the obscenities that seem to make up most of the graffiti around here… 🙂