Cincinnati’s not-so-hidden art form: graffiti

A piece of graffiti in Cincinnati. Photo by Sophia Boone Have you ever looked out the window of your car and noticed a word or image on a wall that wasn’t there the day before? Graffiti, one of the most controversial and illegal forms of art, often goes unnoticed in the sprawling cityscape. Yet, it’s one of the most intriguing and rapidly growing art forms in cities like Cincinnati. Although graffiti is frequently dismissed as “just vandalism,” it’s much more than that. Emerging as a trend among inner-city New Yorkers in the 1960s, graffiti remains a thriving art form today and is a significant part of Cincinnati’s art scene. While it is sometimes associated with “gang” or drug culture, the reality is that most graffiti are created purely for artistic purposes. Many graffiti artists aim to be “up,” a term used to describe having one’s work spread throughout a city. These artists are rarely involved in gangs and are deeply dedicated to their craft. Graffiti falls into four major subcategories: Tags: A tag is typically a small, handwritten name or signature, often created with markers and found on walls, doors, or light poles. Throwies: These are what many people envision...