🏷️Street Art and Graffiti Unit 2 – Street Art Origins: From Past to Present

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Street art encompasses various forms of visual art created in public spaces, often unsanctioned and anonymous
• Graffiti, a subset of street art, involves writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on walls or other surfaces in public places
• Tagging refers to the practice of creating a signature or personal mark, usually in the form of a stylized name or symbol
• Murals are large-scale paintings or other artwork executed directly on walls, ceilings, or other large permanent surfaces
• Wheatpasting involves adhering posters or paper-based artwork to surfaces using a liquid adhesive made from wheat flour or starch
• Stenciling is a technique of creating an image or pattern by applying paint, ink, or other media through a cut-out template
  • Allows for quick, precise, and repeatable application of designs
• Guerrilla art describes unconventional, often anonymous art installations or performances in public spaces, intended to surprise or engage viewers unexpectedly

Historical Roots and Influences

• Graffiti has ancient roots, with examples dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire (inscriptions on walls and monuments)
• Modern graffiti emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in New York City and Philadelphia
  • Early graffiti writers, such as Taki 183 and Cornbread, gained notoriety for tagging their names throughout the city
• Hip-hop culture, which developed in the Bronx during the 1970s, heavily influenced the growth and style of graffiti
  • Graffiti became one of the four key elements of hip-hop, alongside DJing, MCing (rapping), and breakdancing
• Political and social movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war protests, utilized street art as a form of expression and dissent
• Pop Art and artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein inspired the use of bold colors, graphic imagery, and appropriation of popular culture in street art
• Situationist International, a revolutionary group active in the 1950s and 1960s, promoted the concept of détournement, which involves subverting and repurposing existing art, images, and slogans for political or social commentary

Evolution of Street Art Styles

• Early graffiti focused on tagging, with writers developing unique lettering styles and competing for visibility and respect
• Throw-ups emerged as a quicker, more elaborate form of tagging, featuring bubble-like letters filled with color
• Pieces, short for masterpieces, are large, complex, and colorful graffiti paintings that showcase a writer's skill and style
  • Wildstyle is a highly stylized and intricate form of graffiti lettering, often difficult to read for the untrained eye
• Stencil art gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, with artists like Blek le Rat and Banksy using the technique to create thought-provoking, politically charged images
• Wheatpasting and sticker art allowed for the quick dissemination of pre-made artwork in public spaces
• Street installations and sculptures expanded the definition of street art, incorporating three-dimensional elements into public environments
• Digital technology and social media have influenced contemporary street art, with artists using these platforms to plan, document, and share their work globally

Notable Pioneers and Game-Changers

• Taki 183, a Greek-American graffiti writer active in the 1970s, is credited with popularizing the practice of tagging in New York City
• Jean-Michel Basquiat began as a graffiti artist under the pseudonym SAMO, later transitioning to the gallery world and becoming a prominent figure in the Neo-Expressionist movement
• Keith Haring developed a distinctive pop art style, creating colorful, cartoon-like figures that addressed social and political issues
  • Haring's work often appeared in public spaces, such as subway stations and billboards
• Shepard Fairey, creator of the iconic "Obey Giant" and "Hope" (Barack Obama) campaigns, has become one of the most recognized and influential street artists
• Banksy, an anonymous British artist, is known for his subversive, satirical, and often politically charged stencil art
  • Banksy's works have appeared in cities worldwide, sparking discussions about art, activism, and the commodification of street art
• Lady Pink, one of the first women to gain recognition in the male-dominated graffiti scene, has been a pioneering figure since the 1970s
• Eduardo Kobra, a Brazilian street artist, is renowned for his large-scale, colorful murals that often feature historical figures and address social issues

Cultural and Social Impacts

• Street art has served as a platform for marginalized communities to express their experiences, identities, and struggles
• Graffiti and street art have been used to challenge political and social norms, sparking dialogue and raising awareness about issues such as inequality, censorship, and consumerism
• Street art has played a role in community building and urban revitalization, with murals and public art projects fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents
• The commercialization of street art has led to debates about authenticity, ownership, and the role of art in public spaces
  • Some argue that the mainstream success of certain street artists has diluted the subversive and anti-establishment nature of the movement
• Street art festivals and events, such as Miami's Art Basel and the Montreal MURAL Festival, have helped to legitimize and celebrate the art form
• The rise of social media has allowed street artists to reach global audiences, share their work, and collaborate with artists from different regions
• Street art has influenced fashion, advertising, and popular culture, with brands and media often appropriating the aesthetics and imagery of graffiti and street art

Techniques and Materials

• Spray paint is the most commonly associated medium with graffiti and street art, allowing for quick application and a wide range of colors and effects
  • Cap manipulation techniques, such as using different nozzles or pressure control, can create various line widths and textures
• Markers, particularly wide-tipped and paint markers, are used for tagging and detailed work
• Stencils are created by cutting designs into paper, cardboard, or other materials, then applying paint or spray paint through the openings
  • Multi-layered stencils can produce more complex, multi-colored images
• Wheatpaste, a mixture of wheat flour or starch and water, is used to adhere posters and paper-based artwork to surfaces
• Stickers, either hand-drawn or printed, are a quick and easy way to disseminate artwork and logos in public spaces
• Brushes and rollers are used for larger-scale murals and more precise paint application
• Digital tools, such as graphic design software and projection mapping, have expanded the possibilities for creating and executing street art

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Graffiti and unsanctioned street art are often considered vandalism, with artists facing fines, arrests, and legal consequences
• The line between art and vandalism is a subject of ongoing debate, with some arguing that the illegal nature of street art is integral to its meaning and impact
• Property owners and city officials have employed various strategies to combat graffiti, such as increased surveillance, harsher penalties, and rapid removal of unauthorized artwork
• Some cities have designated legal walls or commissioned public art projects to provide sanctioned spaces for street artists to work
• Copyright and ownership issues can arise when street art is photographed, reproduced, or removed from its original context
  • The question of whether street artists can claim copyright over their unsanctioned work is a complex legal issue
• Street artists must navigate the ethical implications of their work, considering factors such as public safety, environmental impact, and respect for private property and communities
• The commodification of street art, through gallery sales, merchandising, and brand collaborations, has raised questions about the integrity and authenticity of the art form

Contemporary Trends and Future Directions

• Street art continues to evolve and diversify, with artists experimenting with new techniques, materials, and technologies
• Large-scale murals and public art projects have become increasingly common, often commissioned by cities, businesses, or community organizations
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have opened up new possibilities for interactive and immersive street art experiences
• Collaborative projects and festivals have brought together street artists from different regions and backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural exchange and innovation
• Social and political activism remains a driving force in street art, with artists addressing issues such as climate change, racial justice, and gender equality
• The rise of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) has introduced new opportunities for street artists to monetize and authenticate their digital work
• As street art gains mainstream recognition and acceptance, the challenge will be to maintain its edge, authenticity, and connection to the communities and spaces in which it exists