Urban Canvas Slides Urban
Canvas
The History & Art of Graffiti
What is Graffiti?
Graffiti comes from the Italian word graffiato, meaning "scratched."
"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."
— Edgar Degas
A Modern Movement
Started as "tags" in 1960s Philadelphia.
Exploded in New York City in the 1970s.
Moved from subway cars to art galleries.
Icons of the Street
Keith Haring
Famous for his rhythmic lines and "Radiant Baby" motif. He brought art to public spaces like subways to make it accessible to everyone.
Basquiat
Known for his "SAMO" tag. He combined text and imagery to comment on social issues, eventually becoming a world-renowned painter.
Banksy
An anonymous UK artist who uses stencils for political and social satire. His work often appears overnight in public places.
The Three T's:
Techniques
1. Tagging
The most basic form. A stylized signature of the artist's name, usually done quickly with a marker or spray paint.
"SKETCH"
2. Throw-ups
Also called a "Throwie." Larger, bubble-style letters with an outline and one or two colors inside. Done fast!
Style
3. Pieces
Short for "Masterpiece." Complex, colorful, and large-scale murals. Often uses 3D effects, shadows, and intricate details.
Pro Techniques
Highlights & Shadows
Adding a "shine" or a drop-shadow makes letters pop off the wall.
3D Extensions
Stretching parts of the letters out into arrows or geometric shapes.
The Fill-In
Using gradients, patterns, or textures inside the letters.
Challenge
Today, you will design your own Throwie or Piece.
Pick a name or a word that represents you and make it your "Urban Canvas."
Urban Canvas Lesson Plan Teacher
Facilitator Guide
Urban Canvas: Graffiti History & Techniques
Duration
60m
Learning Objective
Students will investigate the history and cultural impact of graffiti art, identify key techniques (tagging, throw-ups, pieces), and apply these styles to create their own original artwork.
Audience & Approach
Designed for Contenders (ages 11-12) . The lesson uses a mix of visual storytelling, critical discussion, and high-energy artistic practice.
Materials Needed
Markers (Fine & Chisel)
Heavy Art Paper
Acrylic Paints & Brushes
Spray Paint (Optional)
Discussion Cards
Student Worksheet
Instructional Sequence
1
Introduction: The Urban Pulse
10 Minutes
• Welcome students and introduce graffiti as a powerful form of visual communication.
• Use the Urban Canvas Slides to trace origins from 1960s Philadelphia to 1970s NYC subway art.
• Showcase contrast: simple tags vs. massive murals. Introduce the idea of "legal" vs. "illegal" canvas space.
2
Critical Dialogue
10 Minutes
• Break the class into small groups or stay whole-class.
• Use the Urban Canvas Talk Sheet to explore the tension between art and vandalism.
• Ask: "Why do people feel the need to leave their mark on the world?"
3
Technique Deep Dive
10 Minutes
• Explicitly define Tags , Throw-ups , and Pieces .
• Demonstration: Show how to create "bubble letters" or "block letters" on the board.
• Key Concept: Outline & Fill . Explain how contrast (dark outline on light fill) makes the work pop.
4
Studio Time: Creation
25 Minutes
• Provide students with markers, paper, and acrylics.
• Challenge: Create a "Throw-up" or "Piece" based on a single word (name, nickname, or powerful adjective).
Pro-Tip: Encourage students to start with light pencil outlines before committing to heavy markers. Remind them of 3D shadows.
• Circulate and offer specific feedback on letter spacing and color harmony.
5
Urban Gallery: Closure
5 Minutes
• Conduct a "Gallery Walk" where students leave their work on desks and walk around to view others.
• Final Question: "How did the techniques we learned today change how you see your neighborhood walls?"
• Collect artwork for display or student portfolios.
Urban Canvas Talk Sheet VOICE
Talk Back
Graffiti Art Discussion Guide
Q1
What do you think about graffiti as an art form?
Facilitation Tips
Encourage students to share their honest opinions. Some may see it only as property damage, while others see it as museum-worthy art. Ask them to name the "line" where something becomes art.
"Is it still art if it's on a dirty brick wall?"
"Who gets to decide what is 'beautiful'?"
Q2
How has graffiti evolved over time?
Key Talking Points
Ancient Roots: Graffiti in Pompeii and Egyptian caves.The 70s Shift: Moving from simple "names" to complex "wildstyle" lettering.Digital Age: How social media and high-end galleries (like Banksy auctions) have changed the "underground" feel.
Q3
Can graffiti be both art and vandalism?
Debate Guidance
"If a famous artist like Banksy paints on a building, the value of the building goes UP. If a random person tags it, the value goes DOWN. Why?"
Argument: ART
Expression, culture, reclaiming public space, beauty for the community.
Argument: VANDALISM
Lack of permission, property damage, safety concerns, illegal activity.
Urban Canvas Worksheet Street
Scholar
Artist:
Date:
01
The Roots
Describe the origins of graffiti art. When and where did it start?
02
The Icons
Artist 1 Name & Contribution
Artist 2 Name & Contribution
03
The Blueprint
Compare and contrast: Tagging, Throw-ups, and Pieces.
Tagging:
Throw-up:
Piece:
