Eighth Grade Graffiti Tags

This is one of my favorite projects of the year. We begin with a review of the history of graffiti, from 1920's gangs, to train-riding hobos during the Depression, and 1980's kids on the street such as Taki183. I then present the students with examples of graffiti artists who have crossed over from street art to the gallery and museum. We look at art by Banksy, Shepherd Fairey, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring. 

I introduced the idea of a graffiti tag. A tag is the signature of a graffiti artist and can be hastily done, especially when done on public property as a form of vandalism. But a tag can also be an essential part of the artist's work, and can even be the basis of the work itself. Students researched different graffiti styles, then created their own tag. Finally, they used their tag as the basis for a mural design. The unique, amazing results are below.