Graffiti NYC 1970s

Graffiti Artist TAKI 183 Circa.1970s

​Graffiti Art in the 1970s: The Early Days of a Cultural Phenomenon

Graffiti has a rich and diverse history, but it was in the 1970s that the art form truly took off in New York City. During this time, graffiti writers were exploring new ways to express themselves, and they were pushing the boundaries of what was considered art. Taki 183 and Tracy 168 were two of the earliest and most influential graffiti writers of the time, and their tags became synonymous with the early days of graffiti culture.

The 1970s was a time of social and political change, and graffiti was seen as a way for young people to voice their opinions and assert their independence. Graffiti writers would tag their names in public spaces using spray paint, marking their territory and gaining recognition from fellow graffiti artists. This was a time when graffiti was still seen as vandalism by many people, but it was also a time when it was gaining recognition as a legitimate form of self-expression.

The graffiti scene in New York City during the 1970s was a vibrant and diverse community. Graffiti writers came from all walks of life and had different motivations for why they wrote. Some were political activists, while others were simply looking for a way to express themselves. The scene was made up of many different graffiti crews, each with their own style and approach to graffiti.

Despite the challenges they faced, graffiti writers persevered and continued to push the boundaries of what was possible with their art. They inspired many other graffiti writers and helped to establish graffiti as a legitimate form of self-expression.

The influence of graffiti art can still be seen today. Many of the techniques and styles developed during this time are still used by graffiti artists, and the spirit of experimentation and pushing boundaries continues to inspire new generations of graffiti writers.
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In conclusion, the 1970s and early 80s was a pivotal time for graffiti art in New York City. It was a time when young people were using graffiti as a way to express themselves and assert their independence. Despite the challenges they faced, they persevered and helped to establish graffiti as a legitimate form of self-expression. Today, the influence of graffiti art in the 1970s can still be seen in the vibrant and diverse graffiti scene that continues to evolve and thrive.