Graffiti

"Graffiti (strictly, as singular, "graffito," from the Italian — "graffiti" being the plural) are images or letters applied without permission to publicly viewable surfaces such as walls or bridges. Graffiti has existed at least since the days of ancient civilizations such as Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Graffiti has changed over time into what are known as "modern graffiti": the public defacing of a surface using spray paint, markers, or other materials. When graffiti painting is done without the property owner's consent, it can be considered vandalism, which is punishable by law in most countries.

Graffiti can be used to communicate social and political messages, and as a form of advertising. It is also considered a modern art form, and can be seen in galleries around the world."

(from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graffiti)

First of all, I see graffiti as art, not design. I may or may nor serve the purpose of communication, but it communicates using art form, not design form.

To me, graffiti is primarily of western style due to the hardness of style. It's rough, tough, rebellious and out of control, not something usual here in the east.

Recently, graffiti has appeared here in Vietnam, well, under the form of graffiti like the west, not some foul text on the walls like "Khoan cat be tong" or "Cam dai". I think it's just an adaption of western style, not something original.

I frankly can't imagine an Vietnamese visual theme formed of graffiti art. It may be a different style originated from the western style, but a complete Vietnamese style? Uhm, really can't imagine. If there's a form of graffiti art that is completely Vietnamese, it has to be those text on the wall advertising for "Khoan cat be tong" (*sigh*). Not much great as a style, isn't it?