What is graffiti – is it vandalism, ornament or art? Anthropologist, Rafael Schacter proposes that we think of it as a monument – and it is indeed an ancient phenomenon. Originally thought to have come from the Italian archaeological term Graffito, meaning a deliberate mark made by scratching or engraving on a large surface such as a wall – nobody really knows. While the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians may have first coined the term, the definition and origins of modern-day graffiti continue to be debated, and we are delighted to continue the discussion.

Schacter’s newest tome, Monumental Graffiti is a hefty and heavily researched read.  In it, he shows why graffiti demands our urgent attention as a form of expression that challenges power structures by questioning whose voices are included in, or excluded from, the public space.  Schacter, Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of London, has curated exhibitions at London’s Tate Modern and other galleries, in addition to studying graffiti for the past 20 years.

Schacter is joined by Cambridge graffiti artist, Caleb Neelon, co-author of The History of American Graffiti. Back in February 1990, Neelon was a 13 year-old kid, making a family trip to Germany, when he came upon the newly opened Berlin Wall, covered in graffiti and murals.  It was a romantic revelation to the teenager who soon became immersed in the global graffiti scene, both as an artist and a commentator on the movement.  Over the past three decades, Neelon has done mural and art projects in over 20 countries worldwide including museums, hospitals and schools as well as painting for fun in the street.  He has written more than a dozen books, in addition to  curating many exhibitions and mural projects.

Speakers

Rafael Schacter

Rafael Schacter’s newest tome, Monumental Graffiti, is a hefty and heavily researched read.  In it, he shows why graffiti demands our urgent attention as a form of expression that challenges power structures by questioning whose voices are included in, or excluded from, the public space.  Schacter, Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of London, has curated exhibitions at London’s Tate Modern and other galleries, in addition to studying graffiti for the past 20 years.

Caleb Neelon

Schacter is joined by Cambridge graffiti artist, Caleb Neelon, co-author of The History of American Graffiti. Back in February 1990, Neelon was a 13- year-old kid, making a family trip to Germany, when he came upon the newly opened Berlin Wall, covered in graffiti and murals.  It was a romantic revelation to the teenager who soon became immersed in the global graffiti scene, both as an artist and a commentator on the movement.  Over the past three decades, Neelon has done mural and art projects in over 20 countries around the world including museums, hospitals and schools as well as painting for fun in the street.  He has written more than a dozen books, in addition to curating many exhibitions and mural projects.