pop into one's mind after reading this definition. Graffiti is not only a work of art, it also includes the underground culture that surrounds and reveres that art. Graffiti has been found in early societies, but is most commonly associated with modern, urban environments.

Modern Graffiti originated in the 1970's, just as the hip-hop scene began to explode. The first modern graffiti artist-referred to as a writer, lived in New York City, and had the nickname Tacki 183. Tacki 183 was responsible for creating an underground artistic revolution that has influenced popular culture. Graffiti has spread across America and over seas. Some of the most widely revered writers come from Germany, England, and Italy. Even at its inception, graffiti was considered illegal. It was thought to be vandalism at the time, and it still is today.

A writer has the opportunity to choose how elaborate or simple he or she wants to make a piece. If a piece is done in an elaborate, intertwined style, the writer is probably not directing a message to the general public. More likely, the writer is showing off his or her skills. Most gang graffiti uses a special code that only that gang's members know and can interpret. However, if the piece is simple and easily read, the writer probably wanted the public to see his or her message. Many writers create graffiti not only as an art, but also to display personal, political, and social messages. Some writers just like a simpler look, while others prefer a more hectic and elaborate style.

Because of the illegal nature of graffiti, a paint brush and paint can are highly impractical. Because of spatial reasons, a pencil is inefficient. The logical choice for creating graffiti is a spray paint can. They are portable and easily concealed, and they also meet the requirements of spatial and time constraints. Different nozzle sizes help the writer to achieve a certain look or style.

Tags differ from a piece much like a sketch differs from an oil painting. A tag is just a scribble written in exaggerated cursive. Pieces are often referred to as murals. They are in fact, just that. Pieces can be elaborate works, often including characters or other images. One of the most favorite media of the graffiti artist is a subway train or a freight car. These media provide a write

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Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)