The evolution of graffiti as art
Graffiti has come a long way since its humble beginnings as an underground form of rebellion.
Once seen as a symbol of defiance, it has evolved into a multifaceted art form that is now celebrated in galleries and on public walls across the globe.
From the streets to the walls of museums, graffiti is now a mainstream art form that resonates with people from all walks of life.
Today, graffiti artists are not just limited to street corners; they are painting live at high-profile events, creating murals for films, and even taking their work to prestigious art spaces.
Stephen “SethOne” Whitebooi, a multi-skilled artist with over two decades of experience, offered his own perspective on the art form in the modern day.
"I have been creating art around South Africa for over two decades. Currently, I am doing a lot of my work on the Cape Flats as the environments make me feel like art is required there," he began.
For Seth, also known as the Frog Prince, graffiti is much more than a creative outlet—it has become part of his existence.
“At this particular point in my life, I don’t believe there is any motivation for what I do other than, it is part of my being… it is no longer a choice but more a habit of sorts.
“I believe that graffiti has a direct connection to human nature.
“For example, if you would give an infant a crayon, the first reaction he would have would be to go and write on a wall,” he noted, highlighting the primal instinct behind artistic expression.
When it comes to the evolution of graffiti, Seth shared his view on how the art form has changed over time.
“The art form has changed a lot, from the places we are allowed to paint or create, up until the tools that we use. The technology involved in creating things now is much more advanced,” he explained.
Seth also pointed out that technology also played a major role in allowing artists to use computers and digital resources for reference, something that was unavailable in the past.
As for whether graffiti is still a rebellious art form, Seth offered a nuanced perspective:
"In today’s society, I would think that being rebellious is what mainstream is.If the question is: is graffiti still a rebel form? I would say yes and no, depending on what side of the art form you choose to be. It all comes down to personal perspective.”
Seth , who has painted in unusual locations such as a 60-meter-deep diving tank in Dubai, believes that graffiti is both a form of expression and therapy.
"Art is one of the most organic forms of therapy, not only for the artist, but for the viewer as well, and therefore one of the more important aspects of life," he reflected.
When it comes to the debate over whether graffiti is art or vandalism, Seth maintained a balanced perspective.
"Graffiti will forever be seen as both art and vandalism. Some people would see the art form as beautiful, and others would see it as destructive," he said. “I fully understand its positive capabilities and I fully understand its negative capabilities, therefore I choose not to label it as any."
Rizah Potgieter, better known by his tag Prefix66, has been immersed in the world of art since he was a child.
“My art journey began since I could hold a crayon and draw on paper,” he says.
This early passion blossomed into a more formal education, with Prefix earning diplomas in Graphic Design, Fine Art, and both 2D and 3D Animation.
Prefix has been able to showcase his art in extraordinary places including international movie sets.
“The craziest location I’ve ever tagged? On set for films like *My Spy 2* and painting live at a Lamborghini event in Dubai.”
When asked if graffiti is still a rebellious art form or if it has gone mainstream, Prefix noted: “It’s definitely gone mainstream and is one of the greatest forms of expression globally.”
For Prefix, graffiti is not about getting involved in debates about whether it’s art or vandalism.
“Graffiti is a culture termed by government officials which involves both legal and illegal actions of art.
“Graffiti has evolved from simple tags to a diverse art form that includes intricate pieces, social commentary, and activism,” Prefix started to explain, but quickly stopped…
“My take is I don't get involved with debates, it's a huge distraction to my career and reputation. “
Growing up in Westridge, with graffiti being everywhere, is what drove Prefix to transition from drawing on the walls at home to the outside world.
It wasn’t long before he was using walls as his canvas.
“I feel the wall and environment at all times, but when commissioned, I add in my creative flare to a brief, which clients always love.”
Prefix, who grew up in one of the Cape Flats ghettos, said if he could graffiti any topical subject, it would be “the murders of our youth on the Cape Flats,” to raise awareness through his art.
“Too many of our children are dying,” he concluded.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za