Street Art and Graffiti

Unit 1 – Street Art & Graffiti: An Introduction

Unit 2 – Street Art Origins: From Past to Present

Unit 3 – Street Art Pioneers: Key Figures & Impact

Unit 4 – Street Art Styles and Techniques

Unit 5 – Styles and Techniques in Graffiti

Unit 6 – Tools, Materials, and Mediums

Unit 7 – Street Art as Social Commentary

Unit 8 – Political Themes in Street Art

Unit 9 – Street Art, Graffiti, and the Law

Unit 10 – Street Art and Graffiti: Digital Era

Unit 11 – Street Art: From Underground to Mainstream

Unit 12 – Street Art's Impact on Contemporary Art

Unit 13 – Documenting Street Art and Graffiti

Unit 14 – Future of Street Art & Graffiti

## What do you learn in Street Art and Graffiti

You'll explore the history and evolution of street art and graffiti, from ancient cave paintings to modern-day murals. The course covers different styles, techniques, and tools used by street artists, as well as the social and political aspects of this art form. You'll also learn about legal issues, community impact, and the transition of street art into galleries and museums.

## Is Street Art and Graffiti hard?

It's not typically considered a tough course, but it does require some effort. The theoretical part involves learning about art history and social movements, which can be a bit dense. The practical side is where it gets fun - you might need to develop some artistic skills if you're not already artsy. Overall, it's more about engaging with the material and being open to new perspectives than hardcore studying.

## Tips for taking Street Art and Graffiti in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram for exams on art history and theory. 🌶️
2. Get out and explore your local street art scene. Take photos and analyze pieces you find.
3. Practice different graffiti styles in your sketchbook - try wildstyle, throw-ups, and tags.
4. Watch documentaries like "Exit Through the Gift Shop" or "Style Wars" for inspiration.
5. Experiment with various mediums like spray paint, stencils, and wheatpaste.
6. Stay up-to-date with current street artists on social media platforms.
7. Participate in class discussions - sharing your thoughts on pieces can boost your grade.

## Common pre-requisites for Street Art and Graffiti

1. Introduction to Art History: This course covers major art movements and their cultural contexts from prehistoric times to the present day. It provides a foundation for understanding how street art fits into the broader art world.

2. Contemporary Art: This class explores art from the mid-20th century to today, including pop art, conceptual art, and performance art. It helps students understand the immediate predecessors and influences on street art.

## Classes similar to Street Art and Graffiti

1. Public Art: This course examines art created for public spaces, including sculptures, installations, and murals. It explores the intersection of art, urban planning, and community engagement.

2. Urban Studies: This class looks at the development and dynamics of cities, including their cultural landscapes. It provides context for understanding the environments where street art thrives.

3. Digital Art: This course focuses on creating art using digital tools and technologies. It can include digital graffiti and projection mapping, which are emerging forms of street art.

4. Social Justice in Art: This class examines how artists use their work to address social and political issues. It often includes discussion of protest art and activist murals.

## Majors related to Street Art and Graffiti

1. Fine Arts: Focuses on developing practical skills in various art forms and understanding art theory and history. Students learn techniques that can be applied to street art and explore how it fits into the broader art world.

2. Urban Studies: Examines the complexities of city life, including cultural expressions like street art. Students learn about urban planning, community development, and how art shapes city environments.

3. Sociology: Studies human society and social behavior, including subcultures and countercultures. Street art is often explored as a form of social commentary and expression of marginalized voices.

4. Graphic Design: Combines art and technology to communicate ideas visually. Many street artists have backgrounds in graphic design, applying these skills to large-scale public works.

## What can you do with a degree in Street Art and Graffiti?

1. Public Art Coordinator: Works with cities, organizations, and artists to plan and implement public art projects. They manage budgets, select artists, and ensure projects comply with local regulations.

2. Gallery Curator: Selects and arranges art for exhibitions, often specializing in urban or street art. They work with artists, write exhibition texts, and organize events to promote shows.

3. Art Therapist: Uses art as a therapeutic tool to help people express themselves and work through emotional issues. Street art techniques can be particularly effective for working with youth or in community settings.

4. Urban Designer: Combines elements of architecture, landscape design, and public art to create functional and aesthetically pleasing city spaces. They might incorporate street art elements into their designs or work with street artists on projects.

## Street Art and Graffiti FAQs

1. Is it legal to practice graffiti for this class? Most classes provide legal alternatives like designated walls or temporary surfaces for practice. Always check with your professor about approved methods and locations.

2. Do I need to be good at drawing to take this class? While some artistic ability helps, the course usually focuses more on concepts and history than technical skills. Many techniques, like stenciling, can be learned without prior drawing experience.

3. Will this class involve fieldtrips? Many Street Art and Graffiti courses include tours of local street art or visits to galleries featuring urban artists. These trips help students see real-world applications of what they're learning.

Visual Arts

1.1 Definitions and distinctions between street art and graffiti

1.2 Cultural significance and global impact

1.3 Key concepts and terminology

1.4 Ethical considerations and controversies

2.1 Ancient and pre-modern precursors

2.2 Evolution of modern graffiti (1960s-1980s)

2.3 Emergence of street art (1980s-present)

3.1 Early graffiti pioneers (TAKI 183, Cornbread, etc.)

3.2 Influential street artists (Banksy, Shepard Fairey, etc.)

3.3 Regional and global innovators

4.1 Stencils, wheat paste, and posters

4.2 Murals and large-scale installations

4.3 Sculpture and 3D street art

4.4 Interactive and participatory street art

5.1 Tags, throw-ups, and pieces

5.2 Wildstyle and other letter-based styles

5.3 Characters and figurative elements

5.4 Train and subway graffiti

6.1 Spray paint and aerosol techniques

6.2 Traditional art supplies in street contexts

6.3 Digital tools and projection mapping

6.4 Unconventional materials and found objects

7.1 Addressing social issues through urban art

7.2 Community engagement and empowerment

7.3 Environmental activism in street art

8.1 Protest art and resistance movements

8.2 Propaganda and counter-propaganda

8.3 Globalization and cultural identity in street art

9.1 Legal issues and property rights

9.2 Criminalization and enforcement

9.3 Commissioned works and public art programs

10.1 Social media and online documentation

10.2 Virtual and augmented reality street art

10.3 Digital graffiti and projection art

11.1 Gallery exhibitions and art market integration

11.2 Corporate collaborations and sponsorships

11.3 Authenticity and selling out debates

12.1 Impact on fine art and popular culture

12.2 Museum exhibitions and institutional recognition

12.3 Cross-pollination with other art forms

13.1 Photography and videography techniques

13.2 Archiving and cataloging methods

13.3 Conservation challenges and strategies

14.1 Emerging trends and technologies

14.2 Sustainability and eco-friendly practices

14.3 Global perspectives and cultural exchange

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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