PAINT YOUR FIRST GRAFFITI

Graffiti has existed since the beginning of time, but it took a disturbing path during the last 50 years.

In the United States of America especially in New York City at the end of the 60's, Graffiti appeared under a new form. Names of individuals or related to a gang, group or crew could be seen on the walls of all major cities, written with sprays cans and markers. A simple signature emerged : the tag was born. Then the letters got biggers with also more colors and style, it is the beginning of graffiti pieces. This incredible rise in the graffiti phenomenon spread all over the US within a couple of years and the competition started : to be seen or recognized in the street.

Therefore, young artists began using more stylish letters and charachters with painted background to distinguish themselves from the others. At that time public transportations were the best way to have their name traveling through the city to gain recognition for free, as a result, trains became a new art scene for these young artists. When some avant-guardists saw in these tags and graffitis in general a new art form, opposite to the majority of people took it as vandalism only and damaging the citie's surroundings.

Nowadays, graffiti and street art have never been as succesful and popular. Many exhibitions, workshops, events, auctions took place all over the world. COnsenquently, the expression vandal was replaced by the word artist.

Yet nobody can deny the fact that our environment lives with this mode of expression and his codes. Every day, graphic arts, advertising, fashion and many other fields use the codes of these urban creations while still considered as acts of vandalism and punish by law. However, this subculture is being considered as a major movement in comtemporary art and perhaps the last significant culture of the 20th century.

We will, during our Tour Graffiti Berlin workshop, introduce you to this amazing culture that is Graffiti.