A piece of graffiti in Cincinnati.
Have you ever looked out the window of your car and noticed a word or image on a wall that wasn’t there the day before? Graffiti, one of the most controversial and illegal forms of art, often goes unnoticed in the sprawling cityscape. Yet, it’s one of the most intriguing and rapidly growing art forms in cities like Cincinnati.
Although graffiti is frequently dismissed as “just vandalism,” it’s much more than that. Emerging as a trend among inner-city New Yorkers in the 1960s, graffiti remains a thriving art form today and is a significant part of Cincinnati’s art scene.
While it is sometimes associated with “gang” or drug culture, the reality is that most graffiti are created purely for artistic purposes. Many graffiti artists aim to be “up,” a term used to describe having one’s work spread throughout a city. These artists are rarely involved in gangs and are deeply dedicated to their craft.
Graffiti falls into four major subcategories:
- Tags: A tag is typically a small, handwritten name or signature, often created with markers and found on walls, doors, or light poles.
- Throwies: These are what many people envision when they think of graffiti — large, bubble-style letters. Each letter is unique, often incorporating shapes and designs to stand out.
- Straight Letters: These are larger, more readable artworks created with spray paint. They’re often colorful and eye-catching.
- Pieces: The most intricate form of graffiti, a “piece” involves detailed artistry and requires significant time to create. Pieces are usually found on trains, abandoned buildings, or legal walls where artists can work without interruption.
While most graffiti in Cincinnati is done illegally, that illegality is part of the art. Many graffiti writers find beauty in placing their work in unconventional locations. Graffiti adds character to a city, with some works in Cincinnati dating back to the 1990s.
These pieces are not just words on a wall — they feature bold shapes, shadowing, vibrant color schemes, and remarkable details that transform ordinary spaces into canvases.
Though the artists behind these creations often remain anonymous, their work invites participation.
Next time you’re driving through the city, take a moment to notice the graffiti around you. It might open your eyes to an entirely new realm of art hiding in plain sight.
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