A Semantic Approach to Urban Graffiti from Semiotics Viewpoint

Abstract

City is the most complicated and tangible creature of man. There is a critical mutual communication<br />between human and city; and the effect of one' living environment is beyond question. Graffiti is a new urban<br />phenomenon, which has drawn attention in light of its connection with protestation culture and street art. Thanks to<br />symbolism of graffiti, the artists have added mysterious aspects to their work and distinguished themselves from formal<br />culture. Social protestation is the most notable feature of the graffiti found in Iranian cities. However, to the best of our<br />knowledge, there has been no notable research work in Iran on the relationship of human, society, and existence from<br />of graffiti symbolism viewpoint in particular. The present study is an attempt to survey and evaluate common symbols<br />used on urban graffiti through documentary research. Technique and content analysis in stratified semiology based on<br />Iranian-Islamic culture were taken into account.