GRAFFITI: FROM THE STREET TO THE SYSTEM

Graffiti has always been a theme of discussion, while some segments of society consider it art others view it as vandalism. Over the last few decades, graffiti has been revalued, leading to dynamics that are totally contrary to its origins. It has gone from being a marginalized culture confined to the street to being exhibited in galleries and recognized by different institutions. This project aims to explore the different meanings of graffiti and its process of institutionalization. It examines from its origins to its future exploring each step of its evolution including themes as audiences, professionalization and co-optation. The findings suggest that there has been a contextual and aesthetic change of graffiti within the urban space to the different institutions such as graffiti art exhibited in galleries.