GRAFFITE ART

GRAFITI ART

 MY DRAWING ON GRAFITI

 WHAT IS GRAFFITI?

 Graffiti refers to the act of writing, drawing or painting text or images on a wall. Artists who practice this art form usually do so under a pseudonym. “The beauty of graffiti art is that it can be done in any form, as long as it’s in a public space and it interacts with the audience,” says Abhedya.

Where does graffiti art come from?

As Abhedya puts it, graffiti art has a bit of a “rebellious history.” Historically, unknown artists would paint over walls without seeking permission, often illegally. “It was the only art form that was accessible to the masses,” he says.
Gradually, street art evolved from graffiti. Cafes and clients started commissioning artists to paint on their walls. Various styles of graffiti also began sprouting up.
“Earlier graffiti was just about writing a name. Then, it became about how uniquely you can write your name in bubble letters or other styles. Later urban street art introduced characters and murals into the picture,” Abhedya explain.

How did he become a professional graffiti artist?

Abhedya’s stint with Start India opened many portals for him and brands began approaching him for commissioned projects. “Although I had worked as a graphic designer for a year, I didn’t want to limit myself to that world. So I began merging my skills to create both digital and graffiti art,” he says.

What is the process of creating graffiti art?

Abhedya uses this step-by-step process to create his artworks.

Step 1: “The first step is to find a space for the artwork,” he says.

Step 2: Next comes the visualization of what it will look like in that space. “You need to decide if you want your art to pop out or blend in,” he explains.

Step 3: Abhedya also likes to ensure that his art is creating a meaning or telling a story. So that is part of his visualization process.

Step 4: “Then I sketch the piece on a notebook or an iPad,” he says.

Step 5: He also draws the artwork digitally on a photo of the wall for a clear vision of what it will eventually look like.

Step 6: Then comes the execution. “I make a grid of the artwork by starting with outlines and sketching,” he says.

Step 7: After the base is ready, he begins layering the piece by adding big elements and then details.

Step 8: “Next I focus on the structure in the front to give my artwork proper form,” he explains.

Step 9: Lastly, he adds highlights and depth as a finishing touch.

When he started out, Abhedya used to do every project by himself. “I now have an assistant artist who helps me whenever I’m painting,” he says. The time taken for each artwork varies depending on its size and intricacy. “It could be anything ranging from hours or days to even months,” he says.

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