Other Side of Things: Short History of Graffiti

In response to my article: Tag! Hooligans graffiti Ozone Park (Queens)

Many people would call the scribbling and drawings on the walls and doors of buildings graffiti – an act of vandalism that causes urban decay. But to the “writers” themselves and supporters of the practice, the writings on the walls are works of art.

The historical account of how graffiti as a practice began is debated within the community. It was first documented in the 1970s, when a 17-year-old named Demetrius would write “Taki 183” on New York City subway cars, walls and sidewalks all over the tri-state area, the New York Times reported in 1971.

Demetrius was following in the footsteps