Graffiti Lips

Graffiti - unsolicited, relatively ephemeral markings on public or private property.  The word graffiti comes from the Italian 'graffio' or 'graffiato' meaning ‘to scratch’.  Graffiti has been around for many years, but it is only in recent years that it became commercialized and part of mainstream pop culture.  

Although not all graffiti is allowed, I must say that I have admiration for the skills of some of these artists.  To envision something so big and be able to pull it off is remarkable.

Commercial Graffiti art has its origins in 1970s New York, when young people began to use spray paint and other materials to create images on buildings and on the sides of subway trains.  Such graffiti can range from bright graphic images (wildstyle) to the stylised monogram.  

It is not often viewed in museums or exhibitions and is often used to rebel against institutions or rules.  

Graffiti has long been associated with vandalism and gangs, but there has been quite a few graffiti artists who has reached commercial success and is highly sought after these days.  Graffiti artists such as Barry McGee and Banksy have had their work exhibited in commercial spaces.

This image is one of our first Graffiti street art scenes, and I think it is just so stunning.  These artists must be so skilled to execute a work over such a big area.  The lips, dots and clouds work together to create a very funky image.  

Our 40 x 50cm version of this image is fairly easy and has 24 colours.  Each box contains a stretched, printed and numbered canvas, paint, brushes and a page detailing the numbers for an extra reference.

Our 30 x 40cm version has 20 colours.  Each box contains a stretched, printed and numbered canvas, paint, brushes.

Sources:

[Tate Modern website: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/g/graffiti-art]

[http://www.graffitiheart.org/]