newitalianblood

The process of graffiti based 'tagging' results in a curious interplay between landscape and text. The tag is a highly personalised form of territorial marker. As such it is a form of writing that is less concerned with narrative structure - and has a closer affinity with the symbolic. The tag is a shrouded form of symbolism with a referent that remains hidden. The tagger stays out of the public eye - yet their identity proliferates. A multiplicity of tags can be found in any contemporary city. Together they converge in a contested urban psychogeography. Symbolism can be seen as a powerful precursor to the virtual. It wraps, colours and augments a space.