The Culture of Graffiti and Dance

Graffiti is a type of art and subculture in which individuals display their creativity and skills by drawing or writing on outdoor walls or other surfaces. Graffito is originally known by the Italians as ‘scratched.’ They were mainly on caves as drawings and as writings on historical buildings in Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire. There is a widespread belief that graffiti is bad, primarily because it is illegal, and hence should not be considered a kind of culture.

However, as graffiti developed, so has the miscommunication linked with it, and today, surfaces are being changed into the beautiful art of work. Graffiti and dance, which complement each other, have served as the foundation for entire genres of artistic expression, infusing everyday life with personality and entertainment.

The elements of graffiti and dancing that identify it as an art form rather than vandalism are discussed below.

Graffiti and Dance as Forms of Expression

Because freedom of expression includes the freedom to create, graffiti allows people to express themselves through art. The ability to communicate opens up new viewpoints and helps people learn from different people all across the world. Without freedom of speech, art and culture cease to be attractive, and graffiti is swiftly becoming a form of expression, in which limits are crossed, to produce something beautiful.

Social and Environmental Issues Are Represented by Graffiti and Dance

Graffiti and dance have recently been used to raise public awareness about social issues. It is representative of the society’s culture and values. Graffiti artists globally exploited every open place and structure during the COVID-19 pandemic to artistically express their support for COVID-19 victims and openly provide advice on how to stay safe throughout the pandemic. Graffiti artists use street art to make a contemporary statement about societal issues from different perspectives.

Expression of Aesthetic Value

Graffiti art has always been praised for its beauty and worth, and the value of an artwork determines its price. Graffiti has become so famous around the world that it can now sell for such high prices, demonstrating the value it has gained in the art world. Even though graffiti is free to watch, individuals pay to see the art pieces, and it would be wrong to believe that graffiti is simply an act of vandalism.

Graffiti as an Artform

Graffiti is a technique for people to express themselves in public. This is a great way for people to express their passions. Many prominent painters, including Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo, have proved that art can be a source of expression. Graffiti can be used as a branding tool as well as a way to mark a location.

Technical Knowledge Needed for Graffiti

Graffiti is no exception when it comes to demanding a high level of skills to produce good work. The work of many street artists demonstrates a high level of technical competence.

To thrive in such a creative field, a graffiti artist, like all artists, needs a variety of skills and abilities, including a passion for art, particularly graffiti art, the confidence to take risks while remaining focused, and extraordinary skills. Art is subjective hence there will always be ‘excellent’ and ‘bad’ artists in each movement.

Finally, graffiti and dance culture are forms of art, as well as passion and inspiration for many people to express themselves. It facilitates dialogue by fostering strong interpersonal relationships between cultures. Graffiti and dance are ever-evolving art forms that transform public spaces into an art of beauty and have evolved into a creative expression that has found its way into galleries and the worldwide art market. It is not vandalism, but rather an essential part of social life that provides cultural value through its existence. Graffiti has now earned its rightful place in the world of modern art.

Photo: FOTOKITA/Shutterstock

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