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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Graffiti and Street Art?

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The main difference between graffiti and street art lies in their purpose, audience, and legality. Here are the key differences between the two:

  1. Purpose: Graffiti is a name-based art form aimed at an audience of graffiti artists, focusing on promoting their name (or tag) to gain respect from other graffiti artists. Street art, on the other hand, is based on words, images, and symbols aimed at a public audience, often carrying an overarching message for the public.
  2. Audience: Graffiti is aimed at other graffiti artists and is considered egoistic because its "tags" are acts of personal branding by the writers. Street art is aimed at the wider public and often has a message or statement behind it.
  3. Legality: Graffiti is considered illegal because it involves painting or tagging in public spaces without permission. Street art is often done with permission or commissioned, and it is commonly painted on the side of buildings with the building owner's permission.
  4. Artists' Background: Graffiti artists are mostly self-taught and emerge from inner-city neighborhoods as a type of self-expression for urban youth. Street art artists usually have formal training and are influenced by graffiti's rebellious roots and independent discourse.

Despite these differences, graffiti and street art share similar rebellious roots and are often found in the same urban environments.

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  • What is the Difference Between Graffiti and Street Art?
  • Comparative Table: Graffiti vs Street Art

    • Comparative Table: Graffiti vs Street Art

    The main differences between graffiti and street art can be summarized in the following table:

    Feature Graffiti Street Art
    Definition Graffiti is a form of visual expression associated with an underground culture, often created illegally and in secret. Street art is independent visual art created in public locations, usually with permission and for public visibility.
    Purpose Graffiti is often associated with defacing public property, marking territory, and making a statement. Street art is mostly aimed at beautification and can be commissioned for public spaces or events.
    Technique Graffiti is more commonly word-based, with tagging being the most basic form. Street art tends to be image-based, often found in the form of painted images, murals, or other visual installations.
    Legality Graffiti is usually created illegally and can be considered vandalism. Street art is typically created with permission, making it a legal form of artistic expression.
    Media Traditional graffiti artists primarily use free-hand aerosol paints. Street art encompasses various media and techniques, such as painting, sculpture, and installation.

    Both graffiti and street art serve as a means for artists to communicate with the public and express political and social criticisms. However, their differences in purpose, technique, legality, and media used can result in distinct visual experiences for the audience.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.