Graffiti’s Legacy on Display at Miami’s Museum of Graffiti

Art Basel’s annual fair in South Florida is the backdrop for a new exhibition that delves into the origins and evolution of graffiti and street art. The Museum of Graffiti, the world’s first museum dedicated to this genre, aims to highlight an art movement deeply intertwined with Miami’s vibrant culture.

Why It Matters

This exhibition sheds light on the evolution of graffiti from its rebellious roots to a respected form of artistic expression. As street art gains global acceptance, its inclusion in both public spaces and prestigious galleries marks a significant shift in how society perceives this once-dismissed form of art.

Key Developments

• The Museum of Graffiti showcases an exhibition that outlines the history of graffiti, focusing on its emergence in the late 1960s and 1970s.
• The museum features Rust-oleum spray paints, illustrating the tools that artists like JonOne used to create their vibrant works.
• JonOne, a key figure in the movement, shares his journey from tagging buildings in New York to becoming an internationally recognized artist.
• The exhibition also highlights the 1973 Razor gallery show, a pivotal moment that brought street artists into mainstream art conversations.

Full Report

A Museum’s Vision

Located in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, the Museum of Graffiti aims to document and celebrate a form of art that began with teenagers spray painting their names on city surfaces. Founder Alan Ket established the museum six years ago to provide a permanent home for graffiti’s legacy—one that had long been overlooked by traditional art institutions.

Inside, one of the standout exhibits features vintage cans of Rust-oleum spray paint, demonstrating the significance of tools in creating this unique art form. Ket notes that the specific color “Cascade green,” which hasn’t been produced since 1973, holds a special place in the hearts of graffiti artists, often fetching up to $1,000 among collectors.

The Artist’s Journey

JonOne, the alias of Jon Perello, reflects on his beginnings in New York’s Washington Heights—a neighborhood that shaped his artistic identity. He started as a teenager using stolen spray paint, eventually evolving from simple tags to intricate murals, particularly on subway cars. He describes trains as "moving canvases," accessible to a diverse audience and offering artists exposure unlike any other.

Despite the acclaim graffiti has garnered over the years, Ket points out a persistent gap in recognition from major art institutions. While the medium has attracted attention from global brands and governments, it often remains excluded from permanent collections.

A Paradigm Shift

The museum underscores a historical shift in how graffiti is viewed, pointing to the groundbreaking 1973 Razor gallery show that first showcased young street artists. This event is credited with opening doors for a generation of creators, fostering the transition from vandalism to a respected art form.

As graffiti artists today are increasingly referred to as street artists, their work appears in galleries and public art projects worldwide. Interest in their craft has surged, with pieces by notable figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy fetching millions in auctions.

Context & Previous Events

The roots of graffiti can be traced back to New York City in the late 20th century, where young artists began marking their presence on buildings and public transportation. This movement laid the groundwork for the contemporary appreciation of street art, which has seen significant evolution and acceptance in recent years, culminating in the establishment of dedicated institutions like the Museum of Graffiti.

JonOne’s solo exhibition at the museum runs through June, with the Origins exhibition highlighting the beginnings of graffiti art set to remain open until the end of the year.