– has varied throughout history, the practice of tagging seems to be deeply rooted in human nature. Even though the form of tags – their script, images, naming systems, etc. “Tagging”, or leaving your own name on spots you have passed or visited, can be observed in all present and past societies that use script. In the cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, visitors can create virtual graffiti via the Autography App instead of writing on the actual walls. Here, the tourists’ desire to leave their mark is taken for granted, but, instead of a prohibition – which might provoke the graffiti-inclined even more –, the city has simply shifted the space to be inscribed from the physical surface to the internet. Oscillating between art and misdemeanour, they are officially allowed only in areas specifically provided for this purpose, often as parts of social projects intended to enliven or bring colour to certain buildings or quarters, such as segments of the Berlin Wall, or the “Freiraumgallerie” in the former East German city of Halle. As such, graffiti can be perceived both as acts of vandalism or occupation as well as a means of expression or form of ornamentation.
Graffiti are part of the contemporary urban fabric they colourfully cover buildings and trains, remain as traces left behind by visitors at tourist sites, or reveal the names of lovers at romantic spots.
