Female graffiti artists

Women graffiti artists have played a significant role in the development of graffiti and street art, although the field has historically been considered male-dominated. Some researchers have even theorised that early cave wall art was primarily created by women, suggesting that women’s involvement in visual mark-making stretches back thousands of years. In the context of contemporary graffiti, early female practitioners in New York City included CHARMIN 65, Rocky 184, Eva 62, and Barbara 62, who were active during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Lady Pink emerged shortly afterwards, beginning to paint New York City subway trains as early as 1979.

Since the late 20th century, women graffiti artists have gained increased international recognition through exhibitions, publications, and media coverage. Notable practitioners include Claw Money, Swoon, MadC, Faith47, Shamsia Hassani and Miss Van, among others, who have played important roles in expanding the cultural and geographic scope of graffiti and street art.