Off the Wall: Graffiti in Philadelphia and Beyond

About the Class

From illegible scrawls on trains to canvases fetching millions at auctions, graffiti has traveled a remarkable path from criminalized vandalism to blue-chip art. Few visual practices have provoked more disagreement about what counts as art—and who gets to decide.

In this four-session online course, we’ll trace graffiti’s evolution, from its origins in the premodern world to its emergence as a tool of activism and artistry in modern urban life. With a special focus on Philadelphia, we’ll explore how writers and artists have used public space to make their mark, communicate ideas, challenge authority, and shape the visual identity of cities.

Along the way, we’ll consider graffiti as art, activism, and vandalism—and explore why the boundaries between those categories remain so contested.

The class is online-only. More about online classes.

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Barnes classes will:

• Sharpen your observational and critical thinking skills.
• Improve your ability to communicate about art.
• Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.

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What Our Students Say

“The instructor was not only knowledgeable but so accessible, and such an inviting presence. She provided great reading to supplement the course.” —Mary Cassatt: Art, Identity, and Independence with Larissa Bailiff

“Pierre brings the art alive with her inside stories and images and how she interacts with the students. She is always able to answer and follow up with more information at the next class.” —Exhibiting Modernism: From the Salon to the Avant-Garde with Caterina Pierre

“Alison Boyd was engaging and effective during the online instruction, and she offered well-selected background materials for further reading.” —Aaron Douglas from Harlem to Philly with Alison Boyd