🏷️Street Art and Graffiti Unit 11 – Street Art: From Underground to Mainstream

Origins and Evolution

• Graffiti emerged in the 1960s and 1970s in New York City and Philadelphia as a form of self-expression and territorial marking by urban youth
• Early graffiti writers (TAKI 183, Julio 204) used simple tags and signatures to gain recognition and respect within their communities
• Graffiti evolved from simple tags to more elaborate pieces and murals, incorporating various styles and techniques (bubble letters, wildstyle)
• Street art developed as a distinct movement in the 1980s, influenced by graffiti but incorporating a wider range of media and styles (stencils, wheat paste posters, stickers)
• Street art often focuses on social and political commentary, using public spaces as a canvas for provocative and thought-provoking messages
• The rise of the internet and social media in the 2000s has facilitated the global spread and recognition of street art and graffiti
• Contemporary street art and graffiti continue to evolve, blurring the lines between art, activism, and commercialization

Key Artists and Movements

• Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring emerged from the New York City graffiti scene in the 1980s, transitioning to the gallery world and gaining international recognition
• Shepard Fairey's "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign and "Obey" series helped popularize street art and guerrilla marketing tactics
• Banksy, an anonymous British artist, has become one of the most well-known and controversial figures in street art, known for his subversive and politically charged works
  • Banksy's works often critique consumerism, war, and social inequality, using dark humor and irony ("Girl with Balloon," "Kissing Coppers")
• The São Paulo pixação movement in Brazil developed a distinct style of tagging, characterized by angular, cryptic lettering and daring placement on high-rise buildings
• The Mission School movement in San Francisco, led by artists like Barry McGee and Margaret Kilgallen, incorporated elements of folk art and sign painting into street art
• The Post-Graffiti movement, exemplified by artists like Swoon and Faile, explores the intersection of street art, printmaking, and installation art

Techniques and Styles

• Tagging involves writing one's name or pseudonym in a quick, stylized manner using markers or spray paint, often in hard-to-reach or highly visible locations
• Throw-ups are larger, more elaborate tags, typically consisting of bubble letters filled with one or two colors
• Pieces (short for masterpieces) are large, complex, and colorful graffiti compositions that showcase the artist's skill and style
  • Pieces often incorporate 3D effects, gradients, and intricate letter structures (wildstyle, blockbusters)
• Stenciling involves creating a design on a template, which is then transferred to a surface using spray paint, allowing for quick and precise reproduction
• Wheat pasting is the practice of adhering posters or paper-based art to walls using a mixture of wheat flour and water
• Stickers and decals are used by street artists to quickly and easily disseminate their work, often featuring designs or messages printed on adhesive paper or vinyl
• Yarn bombing, also known as guerrilla knitting, involves covering objects in public spaces with colorful knitted or crocheted fabric as a form of street art

Cultural Impact and Social Commentary

• Street art and graffiti have been used as a means of political and social activism, addressing issues such as racism, inequality, and environmental concerns
• Graffiti has been associated with hip-hop culture and has played a significant role in the development of rap music and breakdancing
• Street art has been embraced by some communities as a tool for urban revitalization and beautification, transforming neglected spaces into vibrant public art galleries
  • The Wynwood neighborhood in Miami has become a major destination for street art, attracting artists and tourists from around the world
• Street art festivals and events, such as the Wynwood Walls in Miami and the Upfest in Bristol, UK, have helped legitimize and celebrate the art form
• Some street artists have used their platform to raise awareness about social issues and advocate for change (JR's "Inside Out" project, Ai Weiwei's refugee-themed installations)
• Street art and graffiti have been appropriated by mainstream culture, influencing fashion, advertising, and graphic design
• The commercialization of street art has led to debates about authenticity, ownership, and the role of the artist in society

Legal Issues and Public Perception

• Graffiti is often considered vandalism and is illegal in most jurisdictions, leading to conflicts between artists and law enforcement
• Some cities have implemented legal graffiti walls or zones to provide a sanctioned space for artists to work, while others have adopted zero-tolerance policies
• The perception of street art and graffiti varies widely, with some viewing it as a form of urban blight and others seeing it as a valuable cultural asset
  • The "broken windows" theory suggests that visible signs of disorder, such as graffiti, can lead to increased crime and social decay
• Property owners and businesses have sometimes commissioned street artists to create murals as a way to deter illegal graffiti and improve the appearance of their buildings
• The removal or destruction of street art has raised questions about the preservation and protection of public art, particularly when works are created without permission
• Some street artists have faced legal challenges over the use of copyrighted images or trademarked logos in their work (Shepard Fairey's "Hope" poster, Revok's dispute with H&M)
• The rise of street art tourism has led to concerns about the commodification and gentrification of urban neighborhoods

From Subculture to Mainstream

• Street art and graffiti have transitioned from underground subcultures to mainstream recognition and acceptance
• Major museums and galleries have hosted exhibitions dedicated to street art and graffiti, legitimizing the art form and introducing it to wider audiences (MOCA's "Art in the Streets," Tate Modern's "Street Art")
• Auction houses and private collectors have begun to buy and sell street art, with some works fetching high prices (Banksy's "Devolved Parliament" sold for $12 million in 2019)
• Some street artists have collaborated with brands and corporations on commercial projects, blurring the lines between art and advertising (Shepard Fairey's work with Pepsi, Kaws' partnerships with Nike and Uniqlo)
  • These collaborations have been criticized by some as a form of "selling out" or compromising the anti-establishment ethos of street art
• Street art has been used as a tool for urban development and gentrification, with cities and real estate developers commissioning murals to attract investment and tourism
• The mainstream success of some street artists has led to accusations of elitism and exclusivity within the art world
• Despite its mainstream acceptance, street art and graffiti continue to be practiced as a form of grassroots expression and resistance

Notable Works and Locations

• Banksy's "Girl with Balloon" (2002) is one of the most recognizable and reproduced images in street art, depicting a young girl reaching for a heart-shaped balloon
• Eduardo Kobra's "Etnias" (2016) in Rio de Janeiro is the largest spray-painted mural in the world, covering over 32,000 square feet and celebrating ethnic diversity
• The East Side Gallery in Berlin is a 1.3 km section of the Berlin Wall featuring murals by international artists, created in 1990 as a symbol of freedom and unity
• The Bowery Wall in New York City has been a prominent location for street art since the 1970s, with notable works by Keith Haring, Os Gemeos, and JR
• The 5Pointz building in Queens, New York, was a former factory turned graffiti mecca, featuring works by over 1,500 artists before its controversial demolition in 2014
• Shepard Fairey's "Hope" poster (2008) became an iconic image of Barack Obama's presidential campaign, blending street art aesthetics with political messaging
• JR's "Face 2 Face" project (2007) installed massive portraits of Israelis and Palestinians side by side in public spaces, promoting dialogue and understanding

Future Trends and Challenges

• The increasing use of digital tools and technologies, such as projection mapping and augmented reality, is expanding the possibilities for street art and graffiti
• Social media platforms like Instagram have become essential for street artists to showcase their work and build their brands, but have also raised concerns about the commodification and homogenization of the art form
• The rise of street art festivals and mural projects has created new opportunities for artists but has also led to questions about the authenticity and impact of commissioned works
• The ongoing debate over the legality and acceptability of street art and graffiti is likely to continue, with cities and communities grappling with how to balance public expression and property rights
  • Some cities have implemented "free walls" or legal graffiti zones, while others have increased penalties and enforcement against unauthorized works
• The growing recognition of street art as a valuable cultural asset may lead to more efforts to preserve and protect significant works, but also raises questions about the ephemerality and anti-establishment nature of the art form
• The increasing commercialization of street art, through brand collaborations, merchandise, and gallery sales, may provide financial opportunities for artists but also risks diluting the subversive and rebellious spirit of the movement
• As street art continues to gain mainstream acceptance and influence, it will be important for artists and communities to reflect on its origins, values, and social impact, and to work towards a future that is inclusive, equitable, and transformative