Graffiti has, for years, been considered as an act of vandalism and nothing more. However, in the documentary A Brief History of Graffiti, art historian Dr Richard Clay sets out to prove otherwise. Through this documentary, he charts the development of graffiti from cave paintings in France to messages found in Berlin’s Reichstag building in 1945 and modern street art.
The documentary is a journey through time, exploring how people have used graffiti throughout history as a form of communication and expression. This allows viewers to get an idea of the cultural significance behind why graffiti exists today. It covers various styles such as calligraphy painting and sticker bombing as well as delving into different topics such as the way graffiti is often used by various marginalized communities.
This educational film provides insight into the fascinating world of graffiti that has long been misunderstood and even criminalized by society. It also examines the role it plays in providing a sense of identity and belonging for those who are not heard or represented elsewhere in our culture. So if you’re looking for an intriguing exploration into urban art, then A Brief History of Graffiti is worth watching!
