At Graffter Gallery, we're passionate about graffiti and street art. As such, we've compiled a list of the top 10 graffiti films that we believe everyone should watch. From documentaries to feature films, this list has something for everyone.
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| Photo by Jakob Owens |
Style Wars (1983)
Style Wars is a classic documentary that explores the origins of hip hop culture and the graffiti art movement in New York City. It showcases the talented graffiti artists who transformed the city's subways and streets with their art.
Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
Exit Through the Gift Shop is a documentary directed by Banksy that follows the life of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant who becomes a successful street artist in Los Angeles. The film provides an in-depth look at the world of street art and the often unconventional ways in which it is created.
Bomb the System (2002)
Bomb the System is a feature film that tells the story of a young graffiti artist in New York City who becomes involved in a turf war with a rival crew. The film features stunning shots of graffiti art and explores the challenges faced by young artists trying to make their mark in the world.
Wild Style (1983)
Wild Style is a classic film that captures the energy and spirit of early hip hop culture in New York City. The film features performances by graffiti artists, rappers, and breakdancers and provides a window into the vibrant cultural scene of the time.
Beat Street (1984)
Beat Street is a feature film that follows the lives of a group of young people in the South Bronx who use hip hop culture and graffiti art to express themselves and escape the challenges of their daily lives. The film features performances by some of the biggest names in early hip hop, including Grandmaster Melle Mel and Afrika Bambaataa.
Infamy (2005)
Infamy is a documentary that explores the lives and work of some of the most famous graffiti artists in the world. The film features interviews with artists such as Shepard Fairey and Swoon and provides an inside look at the motivations and creative processes of these talented artists.
Piece by Piece: The History of San Francisco Graffiti Documented (2005)
Piece by Piece is a documentary that chronicles the history of graffiti art in San Francisco from its early beginnings to the present day. The film features interviews with some of the most famous graffiti artists in the city and showcases the stunning murals and street art that can be found throughout San Francisco.
Dirty Hands: The Art and Crimes of David Choe (2008)
Dirty Hands is a documentary that explores the life and work of David Choe, a graffiti artist and muralist who gained fame for his work on Facebook's headquarters. The film provides an inside look at Choe's creative process and showcases his stunning and often controversial artwork.
Next: A Primer on Urban Painting (2005)
Next is a documentary that explores the world of urban painting and features interviews with some of the most famous graffiti artists in the world. The film provides an in-depth look at the creative processes and motivations of these artists and showcases some of their most stunning work.
Graffiti Fine Art (2011)
Graffiti Fine Art is a documentary that explores the evolution of graffiti art from its origins on the streets to its current status as a recognized art form. The film features interviews with some of the most famous graffiti artists in the world and showcases their stunning artwork in galleries and museums around the world.
In conclusion, these 10 graffiti films are some of the best examples of the art form and are must-watch for anyone interested in graffiti, street art, or hip hop culture. We hope you enjoyed our list of top 10 graffiti films and found it informative and entertaining. By watching these films, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the history and culture of graffiti art, as well as the incredible talent and creativity of the artists who create it.
Not only do these films provide a window into the world of graffiti art, but they also showcase the importance of self-expression and creativity. Graffiti art has been a way for young people from all walks of life to express themselves and share their ideas with the world, even when they may not have had access to more traditional forms of art.
At Graffter Gallery, we believe that graffiti art is an important part of our cultural heritage and should be celebrated and shared. Whether you're a seasoned graffiti artist or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and creativity of street art, these films are sure to leave you inspired and moved.
So why not take some time to check out one or all of these films? You'll be glad you did, and who knows - you may just discover your new favorite artist or film! Thank you for reading, and we hope you continue to explore the world of graffiti art and street culture.
FAQ's About Graffiti Films
Graffiti films originated in the 1980s
The 1980s saw the birth of the first graffiti films, as filmmakers began to capture the world of street art on camera. These early films were often low-budget and featured grainy footage, but they provided a new platform for graffiti artists to showcase their work.
"Style Wars" is considered the first graffiti film
"Style Wars," released in 1983, is considered the first graffiti film. Directed by Tony Silver and Henry Chalfant, the documentary focuses on the lives and work of graffiti artists in New York City. The film has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the genre.
"Exit Through the Gift Shop" was nominated for an Academy Award
"Exit Through the Gift Shop," released in 2010, is a documentary directed by the anonymous street artist Banksy. The film follows the life of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant living in Los Angeles who becomes obsessed with street art. The film was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Feature category, but ultimately lost to "Inside Job."
Graffiti films have inspired other forms of media
Graffiti films have had a significant impact on other forms of media, including music videos, commercials, and even video games. The visual style and themes of graffiti have been incorporated into these mediums, helping to spread awareness of street art and its culture.
Graffiti films have faced criticism from some graffiti artists
While many graffiti artists have embraced the world of graffiti films, some have criticized the genre for commercializing street art and exploiting the culture for profit. Despite this, graffiti films continue to be produced and consumed by audiences around the world.
Do graffiti films help raise awareness of graffiti culture?
One of the benefits of graffiti films is that they have helped to raise awareness about graffiti culture and its significance in urban environments. These films have brought attention to the lives and work of graffiti artists, as well as the complex issues surrounding street art.
Many films have been produced independently
While some graffiti films have been produced by major studios, many have been made independently by filmmakers and artists themselves. This allows for greater creative freedom and authenticity, as well as a more grassroots approach to documenting the world of graffiti.
Some graffiti films have been banned in certain countries
Due to their sometimes controversial subject matter, some graffiti films have been banned in certain countries. For example, the film "Bomb It," which explores the global graffiti culture, was banned in Singapore due to its depiction of vandalism.
These films have helped to preserve the history of street art
Graffiti films have played an important role in preserving the history of street art, capturing the work of artists who might otherwise go unnoticed or undocumented. Through these films, viewers can gain insight into the evolution of graffiti culture over time.
Graffiti films continue to evolve and inspire new generations of artists
Graffiti films continue to evolve and push the boundaries of the genre. From documentaries to fictional narratives, these films offer a unique lens into the world of street art and its culture. As new generations of artists emerge, they continue to be inspired and influenced by the work of previous generations, as well as the films that have documented their work.
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as different people have different opinions on what constitutes the best graffiti film. Some popular choices include "Style Wars," "Wild Style," and "Exit Through the Gift Shop."
Why do some graffiti artists criticise graffiti films?
Some graffiti artists feel that graffiti films exploit the culture for profit and commercialise street art in a way that goes against its original intentions.
No, not all graffiti films are documentaries. While many are, there are also fictional narratives that incorporate elements of graffiti culture.
Graffiti films have had a significant impact on the film industry, inspiring other filmmakers and influencing the visual style of other media such as music videos and commercials.
While graffiti is often the main focus of these films, many also explore broader themes related to urban life and culture.