Style is King 1999; Class is in session - The history of handstyles by Dash167

Style is King 1999; Class is in session - The history of handstyles by Dash167 Video; Aerosoldiers Magazine

GOOGLE AI; Handstyles, the foundation of graffiti, are unique, stylized signatures or "tags" that serve as an artist's personal mark and identity. Emerging from 1930s-40s West Coast Cholo writing and 1960s Philadelphia "Gangster Prints," handstyles evolved through NYC's 1970s boom into intricate, varied forms like Philly's "Wickeds," emphasizing speed, flow, and, in cases like Wildstyle, complexity. Key Historical Developments of Handstyles Early Origins (Pre-1970s): Before hip-hop, LA's Cholo graffiti tradition (1930s-40s) used German Gothic, black-and-white, brush-painted, and spray-painted tags to delineate community territory. Simultaneously, "Gangster Prints" (now "Wickeds") developed in Philadelphia in the late 1960s, focusing on stylized, condensed, and, often, vertical letter shapes. The 1970s NYC Explosion: Graffiti solidified in NYC as youth began tagging in the early 70s, transitioning from simple signatures to stylized, personalized tags. Early pioneers like TAKI 183 and Julio 204 set the standard for, and popularized, the art of the tag. Evolution of Styles: As writers grew more competitive, handstyles became more complex. This included the development of "Wildstyle" by innovators like Phase 2, characterized by interlocking letters, arrows, and deliberate illegibility to the untrained eye. Significance and Function: Handstyles serve as the fundamental, everyday signature, acting as territorial markers (identifying crews/individuals) and showcasing mastery of letter form and flow. Tools and Techniques: The evolution of materials—from markers and spray paint to specialised tips—allowed for greater precision, speed, and complexity, influencing the development of unique, regional styles. Key Regional and Stylistic Variations Philly Handstyle: Known for its verticality and speed, specifically the "Wicked" (or "Wickeds") which are often passed down and developed over time. LA/Cholo Style: Rooted in Latin community identity, using distinctive, angular lettering, and a focus on community pride. Wildstyle: Complex, interlocking letters designed to be legible to other artists, not the general public. Today, handstyles remain a critical, respected element within graffiti culture, acting as the foundation for larger, more complex works like pieces and throws. #graffiti #handstyles #handstyle #tags #tagging

RELATED LINKS; Handstyles part 1; Revok MSK (Los Angeles) and Handstyles part 2; Rime MSK (New Jersey/Los Angeles) and Handstyles part 3; Twist (San Fransisco) and Handstyles part 4; Dash167 (NYC/Miami) and Handstyles part 5; Sye TC5 (NYC) and Handstyles part 6; Dez TFA (NYC) and Handstyles part 7; Bates AIO and The art and life of Chaz Bojórquez preview and The Artists Block's favorite handstyles from BombingScience favorite list