Graffiti art is an ever-changing, ever developing aesthetic of hip hop. It has been present from nearly the beginning of hip hop. The stylized lettering and hidden meanings started small but grew into a whole art form on its own. And it has defintely been commercialized. Hand written, strong colored and stylized messages are now present on clothing and advertisements. There are classes to learn how to design 'graffiti style'. This has left me wondering, is graffiti really graffiti when it no longer has a message? When it is taught and stylized specifically, does it lose its appeal in the hip hop culture? What is happening to the people who simply wanted to make a public statement? I certainly hope that, between commercialization and law enforcement, graffiti will not cease to exist in its original form.
The photography of hip hop is certainly not something I have ever really thought about before these readings. It has always been present, but I have never really focused in on it as a cultural art form. Of course, this is what happens with a lot of the photography, according to Bill Adler. He documented many different hip hop photographers that don't seem to have received the credit they deserve. When I really thought about it, I realized that the photography could possibly be the kingpin of developing hip hop culture. Photographers took to the streets to document the culture's development. And as the photos are published, the public view of hip hop becomes more and more convoluted. Which photo is accurate? What style is 'hip hop'? In truth, hip hop photographers have taken styles, ideas, and feelings and made a tangible product for people who are outside the Hip Hop Nation. Unfortunately, hip hop is so intricate and so complex that, even now with the photos, outsiders still cannot point at one style or idea and say “That is hip hop.” A picture is worth a thousand words, but a thousand words isn’t enough to truly describe hip hop.
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Wow, done really early. Cool beans.
ReplyDeleteYeah I really like the Spray Can book because it seemed like almost all of the early graffiti, even the graffiti that got on into the 80s was really political. We have talked about if rap is inherently political because of the language or aesthetics, and I don't think we have a definitive answer. But these photos made it clear that there is something overtly political about all graffiti in this context. Even when it's just someone tagging up, putting it on a building or in the public space makes a statement. I do wonder, like you, what happens when we have classes on the style and the aesthetics of graffiti. To me, it seems to take away some of the meaning or power of graffiti, although it does not detract from its artistic merit. Good stuff, looking forward to class on Monday!