Street Art vs. Graffiti: What’s the Difference?

Street art and graffiti are often seen gracing the walls of urban landscapes, adding color, controversy, and conversation to city life. 

Although often used interchangeably, these terms represent distinct art forms with distinctive characteristics, histories, and cultural influences. This comprehensive guide delves into the differences between street art and graffiti, offering insights and nuances that highlight their individual and collective contributions to the art world.

To Understand Street Art and Graffiti

What is a Mural?

Graffiti is an art form that originated in the late 1960s and 1970s, primarily in urban areas. 

This involves writing or painting on walls and other objects in public places. Characters, throw-aways, and elaborate pieces are usually created with spray paint and spray-on lettering markers. This method of expression usually includes: 

• Tags: Simple, custom handwriting or the name of the artist. 
• Shooting: More complicated than tags, and usually involves multiple bubbles and colors. 
• Pieces: Composed of shorter works, these are large-scale, detailed, and intricate works that display the artist’s skill and creativity. 

Graffiti is inextricably linked to rebellion, subculture, and anonymity. It is often viewed as a form of protest or a way of urbanizing space. 

What is Street Art?

Outdoor art is a broad inclusive term that includes visual arts created in public spaces. 

Unlike graffiti, which focuses on text-based works, street art includes graffiti, stencils, stickers, wheat germ, and installations. 

Street art aims to communicate with a wider audience and is generally more accepted by the general public and authorities. 

Discover the wonderful street artworks made by the Graffiti Artist team and discover the colorful ways of adding life to your walls. The main features of street art are:

• Graffiti: Large-scale paintings on walls, usually mandatory or permitted. 
• Stencils: Pre-cut stencils that allow for quick multiple applications.
•  Wheat Wrapping: Paper cutouts or wrappers wrapped in flour and water glue. 
• Installations: three-dimensional works that interact with the environment. 

Street art is often viewed as a way to beautify urban spaces, make social or political comments, and engage the community.

Historical Context 

The Original Wall

The roots of graffiti go back to ancient civilizations where people used walls to write and talk about their stories. But cities like New York and Philadelphia saw the rise of modern graffiti culture in the late 20th century. 

It was closely associated with the rise of hip-hop culture, becoming a way for marginalized youth to express their identity and make a sense of urban presence 

The Emergence of Street Art 

Outdoor art as it is known today began to flourish in the 1980s and 1990s. 

Artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring began to have their work recognized in public spaces, blurring the distinction between graffiti and contemporary art as many artists saw public spaces as a canvas for their work, and often focused on social and political commentary.

Methods and Techniques

Methods of Graffiti 

Graffiti artists, often referred to as “graffiti artists,” primarily use spray paint and markers. 

They create unique tag styles, with a focus on calligraphy and typography. The methods used include: 

• Tagging: Artist signature or name tag. 
• Taxes: More complicated than tags, and usually involve bubblers. 
• Wild Style: Strange and often hard-to-read characters that showcase the skill of the artist.

Outdoor Art Techniques

Outdoor art encompasses a wide range of styles and materials. Artists use everything from spray paint to brush stencils and even found objects. Common methods include: 

• Graffiti: Large-scale paintings on walls, usually commissioned or with permission. 
• Stencils: Pre-cut materials that allow quick application and repetition. 
• Wheat-pasting: Cover a poster or paper cutout with paste. 
• Installations: Three-dimensional art that interacts with the environment.

Legal and Cultural Differences 

Legal and Public Opinion 

Graffiti is generally illegal and associated with vandalism. This idea stems from its rebellious roots and the fact that it is often done without permission. 

As a result, graffiti artists can face legal problems, including fines and imprisonment. 

However, street art is more likely to be forced or permission-driven. This distinction is well accepted by the public and the authorities. Many cities have embraced street art as a way to beautify urban spaces and attract tourists. 

Cultural Influences 

Graffiti has a huge cultural impact, especially in subcultures. It is a form of expression that gives marginalized communities a voice and challenges social norms. 

The rebellious nature of graffiti inspires music, fashion, and other forms of art. 

Street art also has a profound cultural impact and is often used to address social and political issues.

It is popular with many and can turn public spaces into outdoor patios. Outdoor art festivals and tours have become popular, showcasing artists’ work and promoting cultural exchange.

Street Art Matches Graffiti 

While they have the unique quality of graffiti and street art, they often pass by. Many graffiti artists are turning to street art, expanding their techniques to reach a wider audience. 

In contrast, street artists can incorporate textures into their work, blending styles with rigid traditional boundaries.

Wrapping It Up

Understanding the difference between street art and graffiti is essential to appreciating their unique contributions to the art world. Graffiti is rooted in rebellion and subculture, and offers a raw and uncompressed form of expression.

Outdoor art, through a variety of mediums and wide acceptance, connects communities and transforms urban spaces.