Graffiti isn't what it used to be by Nolan Haan

04/20

Graffiti isn't what it used to be • acrylic on silk • 50 x 70 inches • $16,000

Graffiti Isn't What It Used to Be • acrylic on silk • 50 x 70 inches • $16,000

The Birth of the Graffiti Tag

Detail of Graffiti Isn't What It Used to Be

I have chosen "Nolani" as my graffiti tag (it was my Samoan name while serving in the Peace Corps.) In this painting, I explore the graffiti subconscious and its links to prehistoric cave art.

How would this painting look in YOUR house?

To achieve this combination of styles, I first painted the cave drawing (from Lascaux) and the cinder block wall. Like all my work, it is painted in acrylic on silk. I then covered areas with masking tape that I wanted to be seen in the completed painting. After taping, I covered the entire surface with gesso and painted the graffiti tag. When I removed the masking tape, the cave drawing underneath was revealed. To complete the illusion and to add depth, I added a shadow and highlight to all these cut-outs. So, two paintings for the price of one. What a deal

04/20

Although I have my "secret" painting techniques, if you read this entire website carefully, you will learn a great deal about my techniques. I hope you bookmark and return often. Much love.

Website designed by Nolan Haan

The Birth of the Graffiti Tag

I believe a subconscious need to express oneself bonds artists of different eras together. Just as our instinct to hunt continues to impact the actions of modern man, our compulsion to paint, to create, to document our existence has its roots in prehistoric cave paintings. Contemporary graffiti artists satisfy that innate drive for self-expression by creating a tag unique to them. They "write" their graffiti tag over and over again. I have chosen "Nolani" as my graffiti tag (it was my Samoan name while serving in the Peace Corps.) In this painting, I explore the graffiti subconscious and its links to prehistoric cave art.

Detail of "Graffiti Isn't What It Used to Be"

To achieve this combination of styles, I first painted the cave drawing (from Lascaux) and the cinder block wall. Like all my work, it is painted in acrylic on silk. I then covered parts of the cave painting with masking tape. Everything under the tape would be visible in the final painting. After taping, I covered the entire surface with gesso and then painted the graffiti. When I removed the masking tape, the cave drawing was revealed. To complete the illusion and add depth, I added a shadow and highlight to all these cut-outs. So, two paintings for the price of one. What a deal.

04/20

Although I have my "secret" painting techniques, if you read this entire website carefully, you will learn a great deal about my techniques. I hope you bookmark and return often. Much love.