Written by: Aadarsha Khatri - 24001, Grade XII
Posted on: 12 March, 2024
Graffiti is a form of visual art in painting which communicates various messages portrayed in public places by some clubs, or cultural groups of people. Many people associate graffiti with gang-related symbols or phrases, and they do not approve of it. These are painted on walls at public places. It is important for us to recognize that not all graffiti falls under this category. Some of the graffiti are unrelated to gangs and they hold deep meanings and purposes, such as cultural history and signs. In other words, graffiti refers to an image or text painted on the walls or sides of buildings without proper permission. It’s been around for a long period of time, and is usually done within the public view. The Italian word ‘graffiti’ originally came from the word “graffiato” that means scratched. Today, graffiti encompasses a wide range of artistic expression. While some graffiti is still connected to gang culture and vandalism, most modern graffiti art is meant for aesthetic appeal and self-expression rather than territorial marking. Brilliantly colorful and stunningly complex pieces are created with advanced techniques like stenciling, stickers, posters, and 3D lettering.
Graffiti art in Nepal has transformed from traditional religious paintings to contemporary street art addressing social issues. Ancient wall paintings in the Kathmandu Valley visualized Hindu and Buddhist stories through spiritual imagery passed down over generations. However, after multiparty democracy emerged in Nepal in the 1990s, political posters and slogans appeared, reclaiming public spaces. Vibrant artistic graffiti only bloomed across Kathmandu after 2000 as artists adopted global styles.
Unlike the collective narratives of traditional wall art, modern Nepali graffiti highlights pressing societal concerns like gender inequality, health crises, and corruption using individualistic aesthetics. Some graffiti contains abstract shapes and patterns meant for self-expression. While very little formal research on Nepali graffiti exists, its cultural significance lies in providing marginalized voices a democratic platform for free public expression. The subject matter of modern Nepali graffiti shifted from religious topics to relevant social issues like inequality, health crises, and political corruption. The graffiti works display individualistic aesthetics, innovative techniques, and creative approaches to public art.
Nepal's graffiti reflects shifting youth culture and identities influenced by globalization. It artistically blends old and new, echoing history while pioneering self-expression. Traditional religious motifs fuse with modern perspectives, capturing Nepal's dynamic living culture. Graffiti persists as visual storytelling, conveying the creativity and hopes of the Nepali people. More exploration of Nepal's graffiti culture is needed, but this new folk art genre energizes public spaces as an evolving form of artistic freedom.
Overall, the evolution from religious wall paintings to socially-conscious artistic graffiti displays Nepal’s broader cultural transformation. Graffiti carries forward the practice of visual storytelling for the people, conveying new forms of creativity, identity, and aspirations. The folk art form dynamically reinterprets Nepal’s living culture for the modern era.
