🏷️Street Art and Graffiti Unit 9 – Street Art, Graffiti, and the Law

What's the Deal with Street Art and Graffiti?

• Street art and graffiti are forms of public art created in urban environments, often without permission
• Graffiti originated in the 1960s and 70s with tagging, while street art emerged later and encompasses a wider range of styles and techniques
• Both are often associated with counterculture, activism, and social commentary
• Street art is typically more image-based and accessible to a broader audience, while graffiti is more letter-based and tied to specific subcultures
• The line between street art and graffiti can be blurry, with many artists working across both domains
• Legal status varies widely, with some works commissioned or permitted while others are considered vandalism
• Street art and graffiti have gained increasing mainstream recognition and influence on contemporary art and popular culture

The OGs: Street Art History 101

• Graffiti emerged in the 1960s in Philadelphia and New York City, with early taggers like Cornbread and Taki 183 gaining notoriety
• The 1970s saw the rise of subway graffiti and the development of distinct styles and crews (Ex-Vandals, United Graffiti Artists)
• Street art began to diverge from graffiti in the 1980s, with artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat blurring the lines between the streets and galleries
• The 1990s and 2000s saw the global spread of street art and the emergence of major figures like Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Blu
• Key moments include the rise of stencil art, the proliferation of wheat pasting and stickers, and the growing use of the internet for documentation and dissemination
• The 2010s saw increased commercialization and institutionalization, with major museums and brands embracing street art
  • Banksy's shredded artwork "Girl with Balloon" sold for $1.4 million at Sotheby's in 2018
  • Street art festivals and mural projects have become common in cities worldwide

Tools of the Trade: Spray Cans to Stencils

• Spray paint is the most iconic tool, allowing for quick application and a range of effects
  • Cap selection (skinny, fat, flare) allows for different line widths and spray patterns
  • Techniques like can control, layering, and blending enable the creation of gradients, depth, and texture
• Markers are used for detailed work, outlining, and quick tags
  • Brands like Krink, Molotow, and Sharpie are popular among writers
• Stencils allow for rapid reproduction of intricate designs
  • Can be made from cardboard, paper, or plastic and often involve multiple layers
• Wheat paste and posters enable large-scale images and the integration of digital designs
• Stickers provide a fast and low-risk way to spread artwork or messages
• Other tools include rollers, brushes, palettes, and fire extinguishers for unique effects
• Digital tools like Photoshop and Illustrator are increasingly used for planning and creating assets

Styles and Techniques: From Tags to Murals

• Tagging is the most basic form of graffiti, involving the quick writing of an artist's name or signature
• Throw-ups are more elaborate tags, often featuring bubble letters and simple fills
• Pieces (short for masterpieces) are large, complex, and colorful works that showcase an artist's skill and style
  • Wildstyle is a complex and abstract form of lettering that prioritizes style over legibility
  • Characters are figurative elements that often interact with or complement lettering
• Stenciling involves creating a template and applying paint through the cut-out areas, allowing for precise reproduction
• Wheat pasting refers to the application of posters or paper-based art using wheat flour and water as adhesive
• Stickers can feature hand-drawn designs, printed graphics, or cut-out elements
• Installations and sculptures incorporate three-dimensional elements into the urban environment
• Murals are large-scale paintings that often involve careful planning, collaboration, and community engagement

The Message: What's Street Art Trying to Say?

• Political commentary and social critique are common themes, addressing issues like inequality, corruption, and oppression
  • Banksy's "Rage, Flower Thrower" juxtaposes violence and peace in a critique of state power
  • Shepard Fairey's "Hope" poster became an iconic symbol of Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign
• Subvertising involves the alteration or parody of corporate advertising to challenge consumerism and media manipulation
• Identity and representation are explored through the depiction of marginalized communities and the reclaiming of public space
• Environmental and ecological concerns are addressed through works that highlight the impact of climate change and pollution
• Humor, irony, and absurdism are used to engage viewers and provoke thought
• Aesthetics and style are central concerns, with artists developing distinctive visual languages and pushing the boundaries of form and technique
• Many works blur the lines between the personal and the political, reflecting the experiences and perspectives of the artists

Legal vs. Illegal: Navigating the Gray Areas

• Unsanctioned street art and graffiti are often considered vandalism, punishable by fines or imprisonment
  • Penalties vary widely by jurisdiction and can range from community service to felony charges
• Copyright law presents challenges, as the illegal nature of the work can complicate claims of ownership and authorship
• Some cities have "free walls" or designated areas where painting is permitted, often with registration or approval processes
• Commissioned murals and public art projects provide legal opportunities for artists to work in the public sphere
  • These are often funded by municipalities, businesses, or non-profits and involve community input and oversight
• The line between vandalism and art is subjective and often shaped by the social and political context
  • Works that are initially illegal may gain acceptance or protection over time due to their cultural significance or aesthetic value
• Debates around gentrification and the commodification of street art complicate the legal landscape
  • The presence of street art can contribute to rising property values and displacement, raising questions about the role of artists in urban change

Famous Street Artists and Their Impact

• Banksy, known for his stencils and installations, has become a global icon of street art, with works that are both humorous and politically charged
  • "Girl with Balloon" and "Kissing Coppers" are among his most famous pieces
• Shepard Fairey's "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign evolved into the Obey clothing brand and the iconic "Hope" poster
• Blek le Rat pioneered the use of stencils in Paris in the 1980s, influencing a generation of artists
• Keith Haring's colorful, cartoon-like figures addressed social issues like AIDS, racism, and drug abuse
• Jean-Michel Basquiat began as a graffiti artist before transitioning to painting, becoming a key figure in the 1980s New York art scene
• Lady Pink, one of the first women to gain recognition in the male-dominated graffiti scene, has been active since the 1970s
• Eduardo Kobra is known for his large-scale, colorful murals that often feature historical figures and social justice themes
• Invader's mosaics, inspired by 8-bit video game graphics, have been installed in cities around the world

Street Art in Your City: Local Scene Breakdown

• The local street art scene is influenced by factors like urban development, demographics, and cultural institutions
• Key neighborhoods and districts often serve as hubs for street art activity, with concentrations of murals, galleries, and events
  • Examples might include the Mission District in San Francisco, Wynwood in Miami, or Bushwick in Brooklyn
• Local crews and collectives play a significant role in shaping the style and content of street art
  • These groups often collaborate on large-scale projects and provide support and mentorship for emerging artists
• City-sponsored mural programs and public art initiatives can provide opportunities for artists and shape the official narrative around street art
  • These programs often have selection processes and guidelines that can be more restrictive than unsanctioned work
• The relationship between street art and gentrification is a key issue in many cities
  • The presence of street art can attract investment and development, leading to rising rents and displacement of long-time residents
• The local street art scene is constantly evolving, with new artists, styles, and spaces emerging over time
  • Documenting and archiving the work is an important challenge, as pieces are often ephemeral and subject to removal or alteration
• Engaging with the local scene can involve attending events, supporting artists and organizations, and participating in community discussions around the role of street art in shaping the urban landscape