ABOUT
Street art is related to graffiti art in that it is created in public locations and is usually unsanctioned, but it covers a wider range of media and is more conneced with graphic design
– TATE
Street art Origins
Street art, as we know it today, evolved over time rather than being invented at a single moment. Its modern form can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, beginning with the graffiti movement in cities like Philadelphia and New York.
Pioneers like Cornbread and TAKI 183 popularised tagging—writing their names in public spaces—while the rise of hip-hop culture in the Bronx fuled graffiti as a form of urban self-expression. By the 1980s and 1990s, graffiti evolved into street art, with artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring using murals, stencils, and wheat-pasting for social commentary. The 2000s saw street art gain mainstream attention, largely due to figures like Banksy, whose politically charged stencils transformed public perceptions of the art form. Today, cities worldwide, from Berlin to São Paulo, embrace street art as both an act of rebellion and a tool for urban beautification. While public art has existed for millennia, the modern street art movement truly emerged in the late 20th century through graffiti, hip-hop, and activism.
Street art embodies freedom of expression, allowing artists to transform public spaces into canvases for unrestricted creativity. It serves as a form of social resistance, challenging authority and conventional norms. By reflecting the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities, street art fosters a strong sense of cultural identity and gives a voice to the voiceless. Additionally, it addresses political issues, activism, and inequality, sparking conversations and encouraging viewers to engage critically with societal matters. Through these multifaceted roles, street art transforms public spaces into platforms for dialogue and artistic storytelling, enriching social culture and inspiring community engagement. (‘The Role of Street Art in Challenging Authority and Conventional Wisdom: Empowering Urban Dissent – Street Buddha,’ n.d.)
Street art variations
- Graffiti
- Murals
- Stencil Art
- Stickers (Slap Tags)
- Yarn Bombing (Guerrilla Knitting)
- Installations
- Reverse Graffiti (Clean Tagging)
- LED Art & Projection Mapping
Artists like to groove
Street art and hip-hop emerged together in the 1970s Bronx, forming two pillars of a movement that gave marginalized communities a voice. As hip-hop music expressed themes of resistance, identity, and social struggle, graffiti artists translated these messages into vivid murals and stylized lettering across cityscapes. The streets became an open-air gallery, where breakdancers, MCs, and DJs coexisted with graffiti writers, reinforcing hip-hop’s visual and sonic identity.
The rise of hip-hop culture also elevated graffiti from vandalism to art, leading to collaborations between musicians and street artists. Album covers, music videos, and live performances frequently incorporate graffiti-inspired aesthetics, cementing its role as a visual representation of hip-hop’s rebellious and creative spirit. (Krog Codex – Archive of Krog Street Tunnel, 2023). Today, hip-hop and street art remain deeply connected, influencing global street culture and shaping urban art movements .
Inspiring Artist
BANKSY
Banksy is a world-renowned anonymous street artist from the UK, known for his provocative and politically charged works. His art often features satirical social commentary on issues like war, consumerism, and inequality, using striking imagery and dark humor. While remaining unidentified, Banksy’s works have gained global recognition, with his pieces appearing on public walls, streets, and even on auction stages, challenging the traditional art world and blurring the lines between public space and high art.
CAMILLEB WALALA
Camille Walala is a British artist known for her bold, colorful, and geometric street art. Drawing inspiration from patterns and tribal motifs, she creates vibrant public murals that transform urban spaces. Her work combines elements of pop art, graphic design, and architectural abstraction, bringing a sense of playfulness and energy to the environments she engages with. Walala’s murals have appeared internationally, making her a prominent figure in contemporary street art.
WES WILSON
Wes Wilson was an American artist best known for his psychedelic poster designs in the 1960s. His iconic work, often featuring bold, swirling typography and vibrant colors, became synonymous with the counterculture movement. Wilson’s designs were widely used to promote music concerts, especially for bands like The Grateful Dead, shaping the visual style of the era.