Graffiti in Design
[Graffiti Wednesday]
Last week, Google honored the late graffiti artist Keith Haring with a Google Doodle. In case you missed it, here it is.
Haring was a popular graffiti artist in New York during the 1980s. He died in 1991 from complications from AIDS. His “radiant babies” graffiti were mainstay of the subway scene in New York City. As one writer for Wired remembers, his drawings were simple but carried deeper meanings. Haring went on to exhibit his work in museums. His designs are still popular today.
Check out the Keith Haring website, where you’ll find fun activities for kids.
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Did you know graffiti comes in all different kinds of styles? They’re even names attributed to all these styles like wildstyle, piece, blockbuster and heaven. I’ve photographed all four kinds in Oklahoma City.
Sometimes, these styles are used in signage for legitimate businesses such as this tire shop on SW 29th Street in Oklahoma City. One of the guys who runs this place told me that if I came back with my camera at sunrise I could get a picture of the garage door before the owner opens it for the day. It’s decorated in a popular graffiti style.
There are many businesses in Oklahoma City’s Hispanic business district that use graffiti styles in signage to publicize their businesses. The talent is affordable, but it’s also a cool way for these small business owners to brand themselves to their customers. Mag wheels and graffiti just seem to go hand-in-hand.
What graffiti have you seen in your world this week?
5 Responses to “Graffiti in Design”
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@FARMGIRL SUSAN – You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
I did miss that Google Doodle! I’m a big Keith Haring fan and am so happy you posted it. It’s really great. Thanks!
@GRANBEE – It’s really awful when something wonderful passes and I discover I left the SD card in my camera in my laptop. =)
As I have said before on your Graffiti Wednesday posts, Jen, I always look forward to watching the train cars with graffiti go by at any of our town’s crossings. No need to be bored while one is waiting!