This is an explaination of some of the terms used to categorise art on this app.
Refers to the different styles of graffiti writing
3 Dimensional piece, often text.
An intentionally inaccurate representation of real life, using form, shape and colour to achieve its effect.
A big piece in a prominent place.
A large mural (often lettering) which is usually done in a short amount of time.
A technique used on dirty surfaces where parts of the surface are cleaned leaving behind an image/pattern. Also called reverse graffiti.
Round style lettering that looks inflated.
Sometimes an avatar for an artist. Depicting traditional comic book characters or adopting that traditional style to draw something new.
Paid for piece with the intention of creating awareness for a brand.
A person/entity has specifically called for a piece of work. This differs from a Commercial/Brand piece in that these are designed to deliver a message that is not meant to monetise.
The act of an artist writing their name, often somewhere it shouldn’t be.
Signage or posters that have been painted by hand.
A graffiti piece that has been painted in a hard to reach place, usually high up.
Depicting a large scene, usually countryside.
Also called piece, describes a complicated, usually large painting that was time consuming and labour intensive.
Tiles (usually) stuck to a surface.
Intended to beautify a space. There is usually some message being conveyed.
Inspired by styles developed in the 1970’s and 80’s.
Meant in the traditional sense of the word.
Hyper-realistic pieces.
The artist has used a precut shape and has sprayed the negative space to leave a pattern or shape behind.
Sometimes digitally printed, traditionally artists will draw onto a sticky label and then apply that to a public feature.
Artwork that is created in a public space, sometimes without official permission.
paragA stylised scribble, often done in a hurry, in one colour and is usually an artists signature.raph
Often large pieces done in a hurry, generally consists of a one-color outline and one layer of fill-color.
A painting that takes up that covers a large portion of a train car.
Stylised, angular text that wraps around itself, is often difficult to read.
Relates to the role or impact a piece might have in the public realm
Not necessarily political, a call for awareness and then forward motion/action from observers.
The intention of this piece is to beautify this space.
A campaign to paint many surfaces in a short space of time, usually associated with tags and throw ups.
The act of intentionally defacing another artists work.
A piece that involved a number of artists.
Paid for piece with the intention of creating awareness for a brand.
Gang related signs or signals.
Encompasses traditional types of graffiti art like tags, bombs, heavens etc.
Encompasses traditional types of graffiti art like tags, bombs, heavens etc.
Pieces that include messages that are political driven.
A painting/public insertion that is intentionally designed to be disruptive.
Refers to the materials used to create the graffiti, street art or installation.
Spraypaint.
Chalk or lime, will wash off with water.
Paint usually from a tin applied with a brush, sponge etc..
Ink pen or Permanent marker.
Paper stuck to a surface using glue made from wheat flour and water (wallpaper glue).
Refers to the surface and/or location of a piece
A conceptual sketch in a notebook to show process.
On the side of a highway or freeway.
A piece inside a building.
Painted on a wall that artists are legally allowed to work on.
Municipally owned buildings and installations.
Commissioned work will typically be on privately owned walls.
Painted high up, often associated with heavens pieces.
Public furniture or installations like benches and street lamps.
In a railyard or on a train line.
On a train car.
In an urban neighbourhood.