Category: Art > Graffiti
Ancient Roman graffiti, often dismissed as mere scribbles or vandalism, actually played a significant role in the development of artistic expression and communication in the Western world. Found on the walls of Pompeii and other Roman sites, these inscriptions reveal not just messages of love, politics, and humor, but also a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the everyday lives of Romans. This early form of art was a precursor to modern street art, demonstrating how public spaces can serve as canvases for personal expression and social commentary. Today, artists like Banksy and Jean-Michel Basquiat draw inspiration from this historical practice, using urban environments to challenge societal norms and provoke thought, thereby establishing a continuous dialogue between the past and present in the art world.