Graffiti Art Inspired Presents for Art Lovers
Graffiti has been with us since the ancient Vandals scribbled and scratched on the walls of the Roman Colosseum. But graffiti has also been found in the ruins at Pompeii, near modern Naples. The Italian word “graffiti” means “little scratches”, describing the act of leaving one’s mark, whether to share a rude joke or to make a political statement.
Today, graffiti is a bone of contention for city councils everywhere, as graffiti artists claim blank space to express themselves in words and images. But is it art?
From City Wall to Art Gallery Wall
Jean-Michel Basquiat is probably the most famous artist to rise from painting city walls to the heights of acclaim on high-end art gallery walls. Art lovers will know him as Andy Warhol’s most favored collaborator. It was Basquiat who opened the door to other graffiti art greats like Shepard Fairey (best known for his rendering of former President Barack Obama) and Banksy, now a household name.
And while many continue to question the validity of graffiti art’s inclusion in the halls of art power, there’s no question that the 3 artists mentioned above have changed the fortunes of the genre. Now celebrated, sought after, and collected at the highest levels of the art world, graffiti art has firmly established itself. Moving beyond the label of outsider art, these internationally renowned graffiti artists have disrupted the system.
Fiercely Sophisticated
For art lovers, graffiti art conveys a sense of urban blight being consumed by human reflection. Paired with action, graffiti art becomes a social praxis, reclaiming the abandoned and lifting up the former devastations in the process. In the fire, flames, and mayhem of a self-expressive rebellion, graffiti art reflects the full glory of the human spirit.
There’s no living art lover who wouldn’t be overjoyed to receive a gift inspired by graffiti art. This vibrant genre’s influence has penetrated a huge range of creative sectors, from interior design to fashion. Unique canvas art inspired by this living creative movement is the ideal present for the sophisticated art lover in your life. But graffiti art is everywhere you look, with a tremendous range of fiercely sophisticated gift options to choose from.
From Furniture to Decor Pieces
Rudolfo Blanco is an emerging Mexican artist influenced by Basquiat and Warhol, among other art world notables. His graffiti-influenced furniture and large-scale gallery pieces take graffiti art in striking new directions, personalizing and transforming its message. But a piece of furniture may seem an extravagant, even intrusive, present. So, try some of the savagely edgy pieces featured in the personal galleries of artists who bend the genre to their purposes.
From fake cakes that live out their purpose as vases to red resin cow skulls boldly making a design statement, graffiti art at home transforms your sanctuary into a private gallery. Decor pieces that add a ferocious exclamation point to your home environment are increasingly sought out by lovers of all decor styles. From Maximalist to Bohemian to Modern, sophisticated graffiti art-inspired decor prevents an interior from taking itself too seriously.
A melting mirror ball dangles from a coffee table. A stack of coasters proclaims an uncompromising message. An acrylic skull drips gold paint, as it confronts you from the bookshelf. The creative energy of one of the most explosive and controversial contemporary art movements infuses home decor with the true purpose of art — to make you feel something. These are gifts given from one fiery heart to another.
Graffiti Art for Fashionistas
In 1984, when renowned street artist Keith Haring adorned the statuesque body of Grace Jones with his signature black and white tribal designs, graffiti art fashion was born. Since the 1980s, the cycles of fashion continue to return to graffiti art for inspiration. Fierce, street-level looks are the result, bringing art from city and gallery walls to fashion’s proving ground — the sidewalk.
Haring went on to work with punk fashion icon Vivienne Westwood, creating graphic designs for her Witches collection. His influence has served to merge the kinetic energy of street art with the ever-evolving aesthetic interpretations of fashion.
Pieces from the Witches collection now grace auction sites like Christie’s and museums like the Victoria & Albert. But you’ll find echoes of graffiti everywhere, from slashes of neon color to artistically scrawled script, bearing messages of empowerment and change. So, while you may not be able to gift your loving friends a Haring-Westwood collaboration, you’ll be able to find prints reminiscent of Haring and a host of other examples on today’s catwalks and in clothing stores everywhere.
Disrupting With Edgy Elegance
Graffiti art-inspired decor pieces and canvas art can disrupt your living space with the voices of the street. Fashion with the edgy boldness of graffiti art brings any look a hit of artistic street cred. Disrupt the status quo with graffiti art inspired presents for art lovers. Share the living creative fire that’s disrupted and enlivened the art world!
