Historical and contemporary developments

Iqraa Baig

What is the history of street art where and why did it start?

Street art started in 1980’s and this is how gangs shows their work in the 1920s and 1930s in New York. They even graffiti inside the subway which made people feel in danger.Graffiti is seen everywhere around the world from trains to under bridges.Street art has received popularity in the past decade, with international artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey known for “Obey” leading the movement. The origins of street art combines in the creative process molded by the artist’s intention to form an antithesis to societal context. This sort of art which is found in or inspired by the urban environment. With anti-capitalist and rebellious undertones, it is a democratic form of popular public art probably best understood by seeing it in real life. Most street art is graffitied on the subway because the graffiti artist knew this is a way their artwork will be seen around the city. Not many people visit the museum on a daily however when they do they don’t see the same art.

Pros of graffiti ● People pay for their walls to be

decorated,this is a job for some people.

● Graffiti and political issues● It is a way for people to express

themselves ● It can be used to raise money for

charity● Graffiti can be

inspirational,emotional and cultural.

● It turns blank dull walls into art

Cons of graffiti● It cost the government a

large amount of money for graffiti removal

● Some people see graffiti as vulgar

● Graffiti can be used for gangs to mark their territory, this can be viewed in a negative point of view

● Bad influence on children

Pros of street art● It’s a way for artist to express

themselves● Street art is a transition between

vandalism and art● It expresses political and personal

issues● It gives life to a blank wall● Freedom of expression● Street art artist get paid for their

work to be displayed in a gallery● Street art is cheaper and more

accessible

Cons of street art● Can be viewed as

vandalism ● It is illegal unless they get

permission● Vapors from the spray

paints are released in the atmosphere

● Money for removal comes from our pocket, not the government

What is the characteristics of street art – define it what counts as street art and what doesn’t?

Street art is branched of from graffiti. Graffiti limits an individual to what he or she can do with a spray can, on the spot.Street art uses some of the application techniques of graffiti, often involves a finished product that is ready made and brought to the location like think stickers, wheatpaste prints, and stencils.Street art is a modern art form or trend copied by graffiti. While graffiti can be considered an art form, it is also a cultural movement.Street artists, in many cases, are formally trained art students who prepare their work beforehand and arrive on location with the product whereas graffiti artist havent got permission to design on certain premises and this could be illegal. Graffiti artist are mostly stereotyped to spray gang names and inappropriate messages which can offend the members of the public.

What relationship does it have to other art forms?

Artist weren't allowed to graffiti everywhere and it was known as vandalism originally. Traditional graffiti and street art are known as spray paint work.

Painting with the use of a homemade stencil, usually a paper or cardboard cutout, to create an image that can be easily copied.

Propagatesan image or message in public spaces using homemade stickers. These stickers commonly promote a political discussions, comment on a policy or issue. Stickers are called postmodern art.

Mosaic is the art of creating images with a collection of smaller parts or pieces, to create a single giant piece of art.

Video project is digitally projecting a computer-manipulated image onto a surface via a light and projection system.

Overall they are all displayed on the public walls just in different art forms which shows graffiti/street art can be done in anyway to get your message across to the world.

What has it been influenced by?Most of the artist get influenced by looking at different artists and how they work however street artist want to communicate directly with public at large, street artist sometimes present socially relevant content regarding the things going on with the environment.They are also influenced by some unexpected things, but it’s crazy character seems partly derived from European revolutionary politics, which often used stencils to communicate propaganda. The king of the stencil was Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, who used it to spread his fascist propaganda across Italy. Most artist love the idea of free advertising through the city so they choose to display their work on public places where they don’t have permission which turns into criminal damage.

Bomb it Is an international graffiti and street art documentary directed by John Riess. It explores the interplay between worldwide graffiti movements. It was filmed on five continents featuring cities such as New york, Capetown, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Tokyo and Soa Paulo.

Cornbread real name Darryl McCray is a graffiti artist from Philadelphia, credited with being the first modern art graffiti artist.

Taki 183,He was one of the most influential graffiti writers in history.His ‘tagging’ was short for Dimitraki and the number 183 comes from his address 183rd street in washington heights. The graffiti tag in the 1985 film turk 182 was inspired by Taki 183

What impact has it had on society and art? The impact it has on society is that street art is a way for young people responding to their socio-political environment and speaking their mind through street art. Street art gained the attention and respect in the real world as society had taken a form of true artistic expression instead of seeing it as a crime. Street art can be a powerful platform for reaching the public and motivations. Some wish to raise awareness of social and political issues; others simply see urban space as a canvas for personal artwork, while others may appreciate the challenges and risks to show their artwork in public places. Society see street art as a tourist attraction

Facts and figures for graffitiThe most commonly reported targeted areas in 2015- 16 in the UK were:

● Residential dwelling - 26.8% ● Public Transport - 19.7%● Business/Commercial - 18.6%● Outdoor/Public places - 15.3%

In a debate 83% of people agreed that graffiti is art.

How has technology had an impact eg the design and printing process?

Social media such as Facebook and Flickr maintain their fan base and to spread their art work further. In some cases, social media are also used to promote and sell T-shirts and other stuff. Theme in street art and social media is that rather than creating a traditional fan page many street artists focus on building a larger fan base using a personal profile. Street art has been used for album covers for hip-hop.

What art / design movement is it part of?

Banksy and Shepard Fairey (known as “Obey”) leading the movement. These two artists have been known for their politically infused artwork, from Banksy’s “Guantanamo prisoner in Disneyland”. Modern artist in cities like miami, are embracing graffiti as a legitimate art form,trying to enhance the reputation of graffiti artist.

How is it used and created around the World and in other cultures?

Graffiti and street art are not always legal, people love to see good street art. Street art is known to increase tourist population as It also tells a story about a culture without saying one word. More and more communities around the globe are adding graffiti and playful statues to their plain stucco walls and walkways. A town can be dark and boring or dilapidated and practically falling down, but with a splash of street art suddenly it’s an attraction people travel to see.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.Entire streets are alive with color in Rio De Janeiro, where street art is used to liven up crime-ridden neighborhoods. With a simple splash of paint some communities have transformed into better areas with more opportunities, less danger, and more tourists.