The Legacy of Train Graffiti & the Impact on Art and Culture | Graffter Gallery

Train graffiti is a form of street art that involves spray-painting designs or messages on the sides of trains or other types of public transportation.

It is a controversial and often illegal form of expression that has been around for decades, with roots in the hip-hop culture of the 1970s. In recent years, train graffiti has gained more mainstream recognition as a legitimate art form, but it still remains a source of debate among art lovers, law enforcement, and the general public.

History of Train Graffiti

Train graffiti can be traced back to the 1970s when young people in New York City began using spray paint to tag subway trains with their names or other graffiti art. The rise of hip-hop music and culture also helped to popularise train graffiti, as many early graffiti artists were also involved in the hip-hop scene.

In the 1980s and 1990s, train graffiti spread to other cities around the world, including Paris, London, and Berlin. In some countries, such as Germany, train graffiti was embraced as a legitimate form of street art, while in others it was met with resistance and seen as a form of vandalism.

Controversy Surrounding Train Graffiti

Train graffiti has always been a controversial art form, with some people viewing it as a form of vandalism and others as a legitimate expression of urban culture. Many cities have implemented strict laws and penalties for train graffiti, and law enforcement agencies often go to great lengths to catch and prosecute graffiti artists.

Despite the many risks involved, many graffiti artists continue to see train graffiti as a way to make a statement and gain recognition for their work. Some argue that train graffiti is a way to take art outside of galleries and museums and into the public space, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Most Famous Train Graffiti Artists

Graffiti and trains share an intertwined history. The underbelly of urban sprawl and the gritty reality of railway lines have long served as canvases for artists wanting to voice dissent, showcase their talent, or simply leave their mark on the world. Over the years, certain artists have stood out, turning the humble train car into a moving masterpiece. Here are some of the most legendary train graffiti artists who have made their mark in this mobile medium:

SEEN (Richard Mirando)

Often referred to as the ‘Godfather of Graffiti’, SEEN began his career in the early 1970s in New York. By the 1980s, his artwork was almost synonymous with NYC subway art. His vibrant lettering style and comic book-influenced characters turned countless trains into moving galleries, bringing art to the masses.

Dondi White

Another name that is inextricably linked with New York’s subway graffiti scene, Dondi White's elaborate pieces in the 1970s and 1980s earned him international acclaim. His distinctive, intricate lettering style set him apart, making him a major figure in elevating graffiti to an art form.

T-KID 170 (Julius Cavero)

Hailing from the Bronx, T-KID 170 is known for his vibrant train masterpieces that adorned the New York subway system. A member of The Nasty Boyz and The Magnificent Team, T-KID's works are characterized by their colourful designs and cartoonish figures.

BLADE (Steven Ogburn)

With over 5,000 train cars bearing his artwork, BLADE is often called the ‘King of Graffiti’. Beginning in the 1970s, BLADE’s pieces stand out due to their sheer creativity, from elaborate typography to intricate scenes. His influence was not just confined to New York but spread globally as he showcased his art in various galleries worldwide.

Lee Quiñones 

A key figure of the New York City graffiti movement of the 1970s and 1980s, Quiñones is famed for his large-scale murals on subway cars. He often incorporated social and political themes, pushing graffiti beyond mere tags into storytelling.

ROZ One (Rosalie Barnes)

Breaking gender barriers in the predominantly male world of train graffiti, ROZ One emerged in the 1980s as one of the foremost female graffiti artists. Her work, often found on NYC subway cars, became iconic for its vivid colours and dynamic lettering.

SKEME SKEME's

Skeme Skeme's name became legendary in the New York subway graffiti scene of the 1980s. His dynamic pieces were featured in the seminal documentary "Style Wars", cementing his place in graffiti history.

BATES

A dominant figure in the European graffiti scene, BATES has been painting since the early 1980s. From Denmark to the global stage, his pieces are recognised for their dynamic style, blending classic New York styles with his unique European touch.

The rise of train graffiti, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, was a revolution of art and culture. Artists viewed trains as moving canvases that carried their messages, stories, and styles from one end of the city to another. While the debate over whether train graffiti is vandalism or art still lingers, the undeniable skill, creativity, and impact of these artists have left an indelible mark on urban culture.

As times change, and as street art becomes more accepted and commercialised, the raw, rebellious spirit of train graffiti remains a testament to a time when artists risked everything to showcase their talent, making the world their gallery, one train at a time.

Styles of Train Graffiti

There are many different styles of train graffiti, ranging from simple tags to complex murals. Some graffiti artists prefer to work in a specific style or use a specific set of colours, while others are more experimental and constantly changing their approach.

One of the most popular styles of train graffiti is known as "wildstyle," which involves highly stylised lettering and intricate designs. Another popular style is "throw-up," which is a simplified version of wildstyle that is quicker to paint and easier to read.

Many train graffiti artists also incorporate characters or images into their designs, ranging from political messages to pop culture references. Some graffiti artists even use 3D effects or optical illusions to make their designs appear to jump off the surface of the train.

Impact of Train Graffiti

While train graffiti is often viewed as a form of vandalism, it has also had a significant impact on the world of art and culture. Many prominent graffiti artists, such as Banksy and Shepard Fairey, got their start in train graffiti before moving on to other forms of street art.

Train graffiti has also influenced the worlds of fashion and design, with many brands and designers incorporating graffiti-inspired elements into their products. In some cities, train graffiti has even become a tourist attraction, with people from around the world coming to see the colourful designs on public transportation.

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Wrapping Up

Train graffiti is a controversial and colourful form of expression that has been around for decades. While it is often viewed as a form of vandalism, many people see it as a legitimate form of street art that can make a statement and bring art into the public space. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying the impact that train graffiti has had on the world of art and culture.

Q&A

Is train graffiti illegal?

Answer: Yes, in most cases, train graffiti is illegal. It is considered a form of vandalism and can result in fines or imprisonment.

Why do graffiti artists choose to paint on trains?

Answer: Graffiti artists often see trains as a way to get their work seen by a wider audience. Trains travel through many different neighbourhoods and cities, allowing artists to showcase their work in multiple locations.

What are some of the different styles of train graffiti?

Answer: There are many different styles of train graffiti, ranging from simple tags to complex murals. Some popular styles include wildstyle, throw-up, and characters.

Has train graffiti had any impact on the world of art and culture?

Answer: Yes, train graffiti has had a significant impact on the world of art and culture. Many prominent graffiti artists got their start in train graffiti before moving on to other forms of street art. Train graffiti has also influenced the worlds of fashion and design.

How do cities and law enforcement agencies deal with train graffiti?

Answer: Many cities have implemented strict laws and penalties for train graffiti, and law enforcement agencies often go to great lengths to catch and prosecute graffiti artists. Some cities have also implemented measures such as anti-graffiti coatings on trains to deter graffiti artists.

What is the future of train graffiti?

Answer: The future of train graffiti is uncertain, as it remains a controversial and often illegal form of expression. However, some artists and enthusiasts believe that train graffiti will continue to evolve and have an impact on the world of art and culture.