By: Sara Hussein

 

A new form of art has become more prevalent across the Middle East in recent years. This type of art operates outside of the conventional norms of art that can be found in museums or art galleries. It may even become challenging or pose some risks to the artists. This art is called graffiti.

 

Despite its growing popularity, graffiti is still considered a controversial form of self-expression among a number of Middle Eastern societies. Debates continue on whether graffiti is a type of art or simply vandalism.

 

The history

 

The word graffiti comes from the Italian word graffere, which means to scratch on a surface. Graffiti is defined as writing or drawing sketches on walls or any other surfaces. The artists usually use markers, spray paint and other materials in their graffiti drawings and writings.

 

Graffiti art allows the receivers to view not only images and sketches, but also written messages that are meant to be shared on a street level. Street art such as graffiti usually carry unique economic, political and social messages.

 

“Graffiti is type of street art that is parallel to the media, you can express anything you want as if you have a TV station or journal,” said graffiti artist Roshdy Mohamed. He added that this type of art can target different social classes depending on their locations. Sayed Mohamed, professor of fine arts, said that wall drawings and writings are very effective in delivering sensitive messages to the public.

 

Graffiti was first labeled as such in 1851 to describe ancient inscriptions etched into the walls of the ruins of the city of Pompeii. The definition had been expanded later to include all sorts of public art. Over the past decade, graffiti was mostly employed to spread social and political messages and sometimes as a form of advertising. Now graffiti is considered as a modern art and can be seen in galleries all over the world. 

 

The origins of Arab street art and graffiti

 

The evolution of the Arab street art began with the start of the Arab spring uprisings in 2010. Before the uprisings, graffiti was rarely spotted on the streets even though graffiti as art has existed since the era of ancient civilizations such as the Roman and Greek Empires.

 

During the Arab Spring, many young activists resorted to graffiti in order to protest against oppression practiced by Arab dictators. Despite its widespread approval, graffiti continues to be outlawed in many Arab countries, subjecting its artists to prosecution.

“This art has a purpose but some people think it is vandalism,” said Roshdy. The young artist explained that graffiti is a form of self-expression and affirmed that it adds beauty to the building walls rather than ruin them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fine art professor affirmed that graffiti is an art. “This type of art offers beautiful drawings, colours and expressive pictures,” he added. However, Mohamed said that if the general public does not accept it as an art, then it will continue to be viewed as vandalism.

 

As for Roshdy, he believes that graffiti is an essential tool for advocacy and self-expression, but should only be considered as vandalism if it advocates hate against someone or some groups. “If the drawings have a goal, they will have a positive impact on the society,” he explained.

 

Graffiti in Egypt

 

Graffiti or wall drawing existed in Egypt since its ancient civilizations. But the street art was abandoned for decades before it made an appearance during the 2011 protests which ousted former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. “Graffiti was in Egypt from many years, but the popularity of graffiti increased more in the revolution,” Roshdy explained.

 

The birth of revolutionary graffiti in Cairo took place during the first days of the revolution, where Egyptian protesters would freehand messages on walls to leave their mark and relay their opposition to the Egyptian regime. The 20-year-old graffiti artist said that he participated in the Egyptian revolution, and this participation was different than anything he did before.

 

Instagramers posting Arab Graffiti pictures under Arab Graffiti hashtag. (#ArabGraffiti)