The Reality Reports

The Underground Movement Begins: Graffiti started in the 1960s when young people in New York City began writing their names on subway trains and building walls. These early artists, called writers, used spray paint and markers to claim their space in the urban landscape.  Most people saw this as vandalism and property damage. The city spent millions trying to remove tags and pieces from public surfaces.

The Ban That Changed An Art Form:  For much of the 20th century, New York City was famous for its art, music, and fashion. However, one art form was forced to hide in the shadows. Tattooing was illegal in the city from 1961 until 1997.  This meant that people who wanted tattoos had to find artists who worked in secret, often in apartments or hidden shops.  The reason for the ban was fear about health risks and the spread of disease. At the time, people did not have as much knowledge about how to keep tattooing safe and clean.