I love to visit different cities and find random street art. I became curious about how street art became a movement, so I did a bit of research.
Traveling from country to country, from city to city there are so many different styles of street art or as some call it, graffiti. As an art lover, I not only take the time to visit galleries in each city but also explore the world of local artists in small exhibitions or on the street. Just some of the cities include Berlin, London, Barcelona, Abu Dhabi, Budapest, Brooklyn, Solana Beach, San Diego, and Austin. Take a look at the photo essay for a peek into what I have captured thus far.
History of Street Art
An exact date for the emergence of street art cannot be determined because it developed differently in different cities. In literature, various art genres are seen as pioneers or sources of influence. From the Situationists to Dadaism, Comics, Punk Movement, and American Graffiti. The origin of American Graffiti seems to have the most influence in street art because there are many parallels here. After all, street art is all about appropriating the city by distributing its art.
Political elements, as well as historical art forms, unite in the street art of today. Street art is an urban stylistic device whose scene is enjoying an ever-growing community of artists. But how did street art actually emerge? New York, late 1970s: In the underground of the metropolis, an art form established itself as an individual medium of communication and gained international recognition with the term street art.
During the 1968 riots in Paris the Situationist International, a group of social revolutionaries in Europe, experienced a renewal. According to the radical leftist group, Western citizens were increasingly forced into the role of consumers, which is why Situationists began to integrate art more frequently into everyday life. In terms of art history, the street art movement can also be linked to Mexican mural painters such as Diego Rivera, whose techniques date back to antique fresco wall paintings.
The aim of mostly anonymous artists is to transform the everyday surroundings of their metropolis into a colorful playground whose messages are anchored in the art form itself. With the help of individual media, street art artists not only attract the attention of numerous passers-by but also frequently criticize current themes, artistically.
Graffiti, stickers, or yarn bombing make everyday life more colorful and livelier.
Since its beginnings in New York, the character of street art has changed. Street art was about rebellion against authorities, (authorities and the state), in which the mere dirtying and destroying of public or private property was a legitimate means. Now street art is understood as a real art form. What has remained, however, is the attempt to intervene in the anonymous public cityscape through individual forms of expression.
Street art is in view for everyone that crosses its path. It’s an invitation to understand and appreciate (or not) the artist. When you travel, I encourage you to take the time and see what ‘street art’ may be in your path.
