It’s hard to imagine that a simple, stenciled picture on a wall could inspire so much praise and criticism. There are views in both of the extremes ranging from embracing the art as part of the city it is located in to writing the images off as nothing other than illegal tagging, but one thing is for sure: artists like Blek le Rat and Banksy have managed to make huge names for themselves and stencil graffiti as an art form around the world. Stencil graffiti is similar to standard graffiti you might see decorating a city, but it uses stencils created by the artist to make the picture much easier and quicker to apply. In addition, the use of stencils leaves a distinct style specific to this type of art and even though it leaves crisp, often single color, images, the artists still seem to leave their own special touch with each one.

As the art of tagging is still illegal, some of these artists have moved from painting their visions on public spaces for all to see to the inside of gallery space like more traditional artists. This might not have the same far reaching, rebellious effect as standard graffiti but it has managed to become extremely popular around the world with pieces created by Banksy being sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Although Blek le Rat and many before him might have been the first to use stencil graffiti as art, it has continued to develop and evolve for many years. Despite the huge growth of the art, it can still be traced back to the ideas of each artist, probably sketched in his or her graffiti blackbook. Everyone might not be able to appreciate it, but it is clear that graffiti has had a lasting impact on the art world and continues to produce some of the most interesting art in recent times.

Since the beginning of time, humans have always had the desire to create art. Through this desire body painting was born, making the human body the first canvass. The history of this craft stretches so far back that historians consider it to be the earliest form of art. Compared to other types of body art like tattoos or piercing, this is impermanent. It lasts only for a few hours at most.

During the ancient times, tribes would often use this during celebrations and important ceremonies. Each color had its own corresponding meaning. Chieftains and warriors commonly had their own styles to indicate their status in the tribe. Around the 12th century, a new kind of body painting known as the Mehendi became popular. The Mehendi is an extremely old ritual that originated from Egypt. It is the art of using henna to paint the body. This type of dye usually lasts a little longer, about a 1-2 weeks before fading. Natives of South America also had their own methods of ornamenting their bodies. They would use wet charcoal also known as huito. Like henna, huito is also semi-permanent lasting for a few weeks.

In today’s modern era, this has become a way of self-expression. This has been spurred on by the liberality of modern society. If before nudity was deemed by society as inappropriate and improper, now it is something to be flaunted. In the guise of self-expression and the practice of human freedom, this has become a means of grabbing the public’s attention. This is especially effective during protests and rallies. Instead of bringing placards and sign boards, the protesters would instead paint on themselves. The art of body painting can morph a human being into a beautiful work of art. It can make a statement that words alone cannot express, create a more appealing presentation, and add meaning and significance to an important occasion. It is used not only for the living, but also to preserve the dead. Truly it has attained world wide significance that will last till the end of time.