They became notorious graffiti artists for targeting high-profile spots across the city.
Unlike other graffiti artists, Sane Smith focused more on strategic locations than intricate designs, making their work stand out. He’s been known to travel to South America and Europe to link up with other writers for street bombing sessions.
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Robbo sadly passed away in 2014, but the legacy he left behind means he continues to be influential in the London graffiti scene and beyond.
2. But over time this transformed into the graffiti styles we know today – from throw-ups, straight letters all the way to murals.
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Romero Britto
Romero Britto, a Brazilian street artist and painter, is known for his unique style that merges street art with vibrant pop art. Known for her vibrant and socially conscious murals, Lady Pink has inspired countless younger generations of female street artists and has helped to break down barriers in the art world.
1980’s Lady Pink Piece
The Godfather of Graffiti : Seen
Seen, born Richard Mirando, is a legendary graffiti artist from the Bronx who started writing in the early 1970s.
He is known for pioneering unique letterforms and designs on subway trains. His dynamic style influenced other graffiti artists, designers, and graphic designers.
Famous Tracy 168 Artworks
Wildstyle murals across the Bronx
Graffiti writing on New York subway cars
“A Line Vandals” featured in early graffiti documentaries
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To which he reacted by wishing them a ‘Merry Crisis’ (image below).
15. He was undoubtedly one of the most infamous of his time, and we’re sure to see his name around for a long time.
5. This dynamic form of expression ensures that graffiti remains a vibrant component of modern art landscapes.
Influence and Impact on Society
Graffiti has significantly shaped urban culture and contributed to the art world.
Zevs
Zevs, a French street artist, is famous for his “liquidated logos” series, distorting corporate logos into dripping, abstract forms. IZ the Wiz
IZ the Wiz, born Michael Martin, became a legendary figure in New York City’s graffiti art scene one of the most famous graffiti artists during the 1970s and 1980s.
They gained recognition by tagging subway systems in cities like Paris, London, and Buenos Aires.
His style takes inspiration from NYC’s street bombing scene, where throw-ups and tags are seen as the best ways to get your name up.
Oker has been active since the 90s and still remains on-job to this day. These symbols and signatures often embody the unique style and message of the artist.
Isabella Meyer( Head of Content, Editor, Art Writer )
Isabella studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature & Language and Psychology.
As one of the notorious graffiti artists of his time, IZ left a lasting impact on the urban landscape and the art world.
Famous IZ the Wiz Artworks
Extensive tagging on New York subway cars
Collaborations with other legendary graffiti writers
Murals featured in San Francisco exhibitions
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Today, famous graffiti artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, and Shepard Fairey have gained international acclaim, blending art with political and social commentary. Cope2
Cope2, a renowned graffiti artist from the Bronx, has been a dominant figure in the New York graffiti scene since the 1980s. Britto’s work stands out with its use of bright colors, bold lines, and joyful themes, reflecting a combination of cubism and graffiti elements.
What started as a subculture has now evolved into a globally recognized art form, thanks in large part to the contributions of famous graffiti artists who pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Known for his bold tags covering subway trains, IZ was one of his era’s most prolific graffiti writers. Despite its contentious reputation, graffiti remains a powerful tool for social commentary.