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US Army
The American army used stencils to spray paint markings on their equipment for identification purposes. -
Period: to
Emergence as an art form
Stencil graffiti became popular because it quickened the art process. It allowed the artist to quickly spray over the stencil and then make an exit before they were caught. -
Ernest Pignon-Ernest
Famous for painting a nuclear bomb victim silhouette. Stencil graffiti was originally used for protest art -
Blek le Rat
Blek created stencils of rats to paint all over Paris -
Blek is arrested
Blek le Rat was arrested while working on this painting. After that, he chose to use exclusively stencils because of this. -
Banksy
Banksy is a modern graffiti artist who began using stencils in the early 2000's. Their art is usually humorous or satire. (The picture here is called the Grin Reaper) -
Now
Stencil graffiti artists now communicate through the internet. There are various subcultures based on this form of art. Stencil graffiti is often used for aesthetic purposes but is also a popular choice for propaganda, as it is easier to use in public spaces without getting caught.
