Graffiti: meaning, definitions and examples

Graffiti refers to drawings, writings, or marks made on walls or other surfaces, typically in public places, and can range from simple words to elaborate murals. It can be seen as both artistic expression and public disturbance, depending on its content and location.

• The old warehouse was covered in colorful graffiti.
• Graffiti often reflects societal issues and urban culture.

Street art generally describes visual art created in public locations for aesthetic or communicative purposes and is usually perceived positively. It is often commissioned or authorized and can include murals, stencils, and other forms of public art that aim to beautify or convey a message.

• The city commissioned new street art to enhance the community park.
• Street art festivals attract artists from all over the world.

Vandalism indicates the deliberate destruction or defacement of property and is always seen in a negative light. It involves damaging surfaces like walls, vehicles, or public structures without permission, often resulting in legal consequences.

• The school was closed for repairs after repeated incidents of vandalism.
• Spray-painting obscene messages on public property is considered vandalism.

Here, graffiti is often used interchangeably with street art, focusing on artistic expressions created in public spaces. It emphasizes the creative and sometimes political messages conveyed through the art.

• The art festival celebrated the beauty of graffiti as a form of urban expression.
• Many people consider graffiti to be a vibrant part of the cultural landscape.

A mural is a large painting or artwork created directly on a wall or ceiling, typically commissioned or authorized. Unlike graffiti, murals are usually planned and seen as a legitimate form of artwork.

• The school's gymnasium features a stunning mural depicting the history of the city.
• She was commissioned to paint a mural on the side of the community center.

A tag is a form of graffiti where an individual leaves a stylized signature or symbol on a surface. Tags are often quick and simple, serving as a marker of the person's presence. They are frequently associated with vandalism and considered to have a negative connotation.

• The subway station was covered in tags from different graffiti artists.
• Local businesses are frustrated by the tags that keep appearing on their property.