PRIMARY RESEARCH Despite my research strongly suggesting that street art frequently has socio-political underlying messages and it is extremely accessible to the youth, I was unable to find definitive evidence concerning if street art is effective in portraying socio-political messages to the young. Therefore, I conducted an investigation to act as primary research and hopefully give results that could answer the question. I aimed to discover the opinion of a small group of London young adults; whether they thought that street art had an ability to convey socio-political themes and if they felt the art had any influence in their lives. The methodology of my primary research included holding an exhibition where a selection of my …show more content…
This is arguably a result of art in general having importance in their lives, and thus influence. Despite all the participants being able to recognise a basic level of meaning behind pieces of street art, those more artistically inclined gave more detailed and thoughtful analysis. Furthermore, they seemed to be genuinely more interested in underlying messages, and were more persuaded that street art was a pivotal feature of life. Therefore, my research suggests that young people with a more developed appreciation or understanding of art generally, were more emotionally invested with street art, and felt that it held power (limited power albeit). ‘WHY THE STREET?’ To fully understand street art as a concept in itself, it is vital to explore why the art is made on, and for, the street. According to Chung (2009) art on the street “allows artists a platform to reach a broader audience than traditional art forms”. This is supported by Young (2016) who argues that the “street is the biggest gallery you could ever want”, the author goes on to note that often a “galleries audience is self-selecting and homogenous”- belonging in an “elitist art world”. This implies that unlike classical art in galleries, street art cannot discriminate and is open and available to everyone despite their background or beliefs. Not only does the street allow the art to be widely seen, its accessibility indicates the ideas of
An example of an artist who’s work is only present in the urban environment is a Melbourne graffiti artist under the alias of Aeon. Examples of his artworks are “Black” (undated) and “Foes” (undated), both of which are considered “Pieces” produced with spray paint on a bricked surface. Such pieces are only available for viewing on the streets of Melbourne on back lanes and ally ways. The location of his works add to the effect and subjective nature of his works with the emphasis of art flourishing in all areas of the world and by
“Street art is omnipresent in urban streets and is a rish source of inspiration for artistic creativity. . . It possesses the aesthetic voices of the ordinary and enables resistance for the marginalized. Banksy’s street art, in particular, can guide students to think about various social and political issues and to reflect upon the immediate, if not unjust, world in which they live, to transform that world, and to
Street art is progressively increasing as a forbidding magnet to charm tourists to the Bronx. People are taking benefit of the worldwide interest in street art and its strong origins as a Bronx art form, and expecting that this overpowers what Maruri named the “world-wide problem” of a bad image that the area still fights with.
Street art is a visual art created all over the streets, it can be present in a form of posters, graffiti, window paints, and murals, among others. All of those artists that chose to exhibit their art on the streets, rather than in a museum or gallery is because they are situated it in a non-art context. The products they use to produce their art works most of the time are: free hand aerosol paints, krink markers, plutonium paints and graffiti remover used to create perfect images all over the cities. Street art adorn the urban landscape, explode the skills of the artists, and finally but no less important, is constructive providing a specific social message for all the audience.
In the 1980’s the art world was gifted with the artist Jean michel basquiat. Basquiat, a man who lived two contrasting lives as street artist and “fine artist” in the art punk movement of the 1980’s. His work as a street artist was full of poetic and provocative messages painted in the streets of Manhattan New York, and his work as a “fine artist” did the same on gigantic canvases with looming figures in bold colours. Regardless of this dichotomy, his work in both of these practices has the ability to bring light to issues he and many others were facing and are still facing now. In particular, Basquiat’s work brought light to his personal experience with racism and struggle with otherness in and outside of the brutal art world. The next paragraphs will discuss how Jean Michel Basquiat delt and fought the oppressive systems of his time through his art.
The cutting edge of the public art development, connected with the hip-hop society of breakdancing and rap music, began with African-American and Latino teenagers in Philadelphia and New York in the late 1960s (MacDonald 1). At that time graffiti to most, was considered to be a form of art work. Regardless of those that thought of it as art, there were and are still numerous individuals that loathe the graffiti movement. Works of art have been dependably charming for ages, as it is a method for self-expression and inventiveness. Artistic expressions have advanced in many ways, such as public canvases offering an approach to modern day unique artwork. Graffiti is progressively turning into a hobby. Although one of the major controversies of graffiti surround the statement that it is not art and considered vandalism, graffiti allow artists to display grateful meanings, skills and expressions to the public.
In the article, Public Art and Street Art, by Patrick Frank, the author, talks about the idea and meaning behind public art.
The importance of Public Art in communities stems from a place of creativity, voice and rebellion. All art is a form of communication whether it is street art or museum art. Artists make art to express and address their political views, mark the anniversary of something, tell a story, etc. Public art creates a sense of community in cities and towns because it reflects what the places believe in. Whether it is street art or museum art, most all humans admire what artists express because it is easily accessible and almost always demonstrates a story. Street artists such as “Blek Le Rat” and “Banksy” have used their talent to create urban art that reflects societal, political, and economic views along with a pinch of dark humour. These reflections
Simply put, there are two sides of people in the street art world. On one hand, there are those who intend to convey meaningful messages through their art and on the other hand, there are those who convey hateful or inappropriate messages. Using Tolstoy’s definition of art, “not the production of pleasing objects; and, above all, it is not pleasure; but it is a means of union among men, joining them together in the same feelings,” both forms of street art are to be considered art (Tolstoy). But the most significant ethical question raised by Exit Through the Gift Shop is not whether both forms of street art is art. Instead, the most significant ethical question brought up by the film is whether street art should be illegal or legal.
Banksy, as most would say, marks the pinnacle of the street art movement and what it can become in the following years or even decades; a true art form. Not only has Banksy turned the movement into an art form, but has also turned it into a future catalyst for change since his work is now the spectacle of a global public, watching and analysing his artwork which is why it has been turned into an instrument of advocacy and a visual expression of protest which in of itself can be called a form of
Graffiti is a form of art that has been seen as illicit since the beginning of its origin. Thrown under the bus, street art is categorized with terms such as “vandalism” and “criminal”, along with the artists are more than often associated with those that are “delinquent” and “thuggish”. With no hands barred – street art links us to see the unsurfaced truths of society. It is a type of art that holds no restrictions or boundaries since they are merely images and text imposed on any surface imaginable. From buildings, to sides of highways, buses, trains, and desolate wall spaces, graffiti is seen everywhere. Rather than just being a public distraction or nuisance to those that do not understand, graffiti has the constructive power to convey
Street art is critical to remaining in the street as if it is removed and put into a gallery, the whole message and purpose is lost. Street art being in public spaces is an essential component to the artists expressing their message across to everyday peoples. If the art work is created from street materials “then its use of the street is internal to its meaning;/ as a result, most pieces need not be placed in a gallery” (Riggle). Nicholas Alden Riggle’s also states that “pulling them from the streets the curator eliminates their material use of the street, thereby destroying their meaning and status as street art” (Riggle). It is assumed that the artists responsible for creating street art believe deeply that “art should lift us out of
Art is a catalyst of change. It can confront both social and political issues as well as providing people with a creative outlet in which they can express their innermost thoughts and feelings - but what effect can art have on our society as a whole? Artists today have the unique ability to connect with people in a creative, innovative way that they can understand and interpret themselves. With this ability, artists are able to express their own views as well as influencing the views of others. Art is an immense part of our world – so much so that we barely even consider its impact upon us – but just how significant is the work of artists in our modern day society?
“Places where art really flourishes are those where there are urgent issues that art needs to deal with. ” (Ho, 2005). In this statement, we immediately gather that art isn’t only utilised for the purpose of leisure or entertainment, however inspiration comes from minor things in our surroundings which become greater things in retrospect. Art holds a much deeper and meaningful message, and is often used to reach out to the masses. Common examples are propaganda and protest. In the midst of this identity crisis, Tsou Choi Tsang, a street graffiti artist’s work is of great significance today. The sudden surge of interes in Tsang’s work can be explained by its connection to Hong Kong’s society; the process of creating culture, rather than preserving it. Due to the political and social factors in Hong Kong’s society today, Tsang’s work is perpetually relevant. His work highlights the themes of property ownership, post-colonialism, power, and territoriality. Even 17 years after the handover back to China, and 7 years after Tsou Choi Tsang’s death, his work is still powerful and influential as it covers topics which several locals can relate to.
Banksy is a very renowned street artist who keeps his identity unknown. His artwork is portrayed by “striking images, often combined with slogans, [which] engages political themes, satirically critiquing war, capitalism, hypocrisy and greed” (“Banksy Biography”). He first started his bold street art in Bristol, his hometown located in London, but quickly spread to the United States of America. In the U.S., Banksy targeted the most populated cities; this was due to the fact that it was easier for him to spread his messages. With a crowded location, his lessons will extent over an audience much quicker.