Urban Art: Street Art in New York
This article presents our favorite finds, from giant walls to new creative spaces. Each piece pays tribute to the very best street art and graffiti in New York.
Street Art New York: history and itinerary
In the 1970s, street art was born in New York. It was a time when the city was gripped by crime and facing bankruptcy. In response to this chaos, young kids from Brooklyn and the Bronx began creating graffiti on subway cars and buildings. Although this practice was illegal and dangerous, it gave rise to an art form that spread across the entire world.
Today, this art is as popular in museums and galleries around the world as “classical” art. There are many Street Art museums in New York. Manhattan has become a haven for billionaire financiers and foreign oligarchs, while the Bronx and Alphabet City were left devastated. Rents have risen to the point where the five boroughs are no longer livable for anyone who is not “rich”.
Street art is thriving, ironically, because it is sanctioned by community groups, business owners, and even developers. Don’t worry, street art still has the same charm and charisma that made it so captivating back then.
- This article presents a selection of street art works we recommend visiting if you find yourself in New York. The streets of New York are a true Street Art gallery.
Banksy Street Art New York: Hammer Boy
1. 
Banksy is well known for his love of New York City. In 2013, he organized a month-long “exhibition” across New York City called “Better Out Than In”. Unfortunately, much of his work was covered over and/or destroyed, defaced, or sold. This modest stencil on the Upper West Side is still intact thanks to the building’s current owner.
To preserve the work of the great British graffiti artist, the owner installed an acrylic glass screen. If Banksy’s art matters to you, we invite you to take a look at our Street Art collection. It is entirely dedicated to Banksy. This is your chance, Street Art lover! Fill the spaces on your walls with magnificent canvas prints, (100% European production and delivery within 6 days).
Address: 79th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam
Commemorative Mural Art: Big Pun
- This is the second piece on the Street Art New York tour. Tats Cru created this tribute to Big Pun, aka Big Punisher, or Christopher Lee Rios, a Puerto Rican rapper who died in 2000.
This artwork is located in the Bronx and is repainted every year for Big Pun’s birthday, a reminder of the deep ties between this community and Big Pun. He was the first Latino rapper to be certified platinum as a solo artist.
3. The Audubon Mural Project
This painting makes this New York neighborhood the Street Art District. Address: 910 Rogers Place in the Bronx. The Audubon Mural Project partnered with the Gitler & gallery in Hamilton Heights to create several street art murals, most of which are located in Upper Manhattan. Their strikingly beautiful plumage is dedicated to birds threatened by climate change.
If you’re interested, you can download the map showing where you can see street art in New York.
4. Bronx: Wall of Fame
The “Wall of Fame” is an unofficial title for this block in the South Bronx. It’s a shame, because this South Bronx block could really use official status (Street Art Gallery New York); plans are underway to demolish it in favor of affordable housing.The history of the wall is undeniable. Queens legend Izthe Wiz, Phetus from Long Island, and the MSK crew from Los Angeles are just a few of the many artists who have painted murals, created graffiti, and written messages on its bricks. You only have a few days left! It’s time for you to visit New York and see this artwork before it disappears... Here are the places where you can take your best Street Art New York photos.Address: E 173rd St, West Farms Rd Bronx
5. Bowery Graffiti Wall
In 1982, Keith Haring was the first major artist to paint this wall. Its generous surface and location have inspired many artists, including JR, Banksy, and Shepard Fairey.Address: Houston St at Bowery
6. The Bushwick Collective
Bushwick native Joe Ficalora turned his neighborhood into a must-see destination by creating a 12-block open-air museum featuring graffiti artists from around the world. As you stroll through the streets near the Jefferson Street L station, be sure to look out for Rosk & Loste, a Sicilian duo, and Vexx’s tiger-themed mural.Address: Starts at Troutman St. and St. Nicholas Ave
7. The Graffiti Hall of Fame
This East Harlem wall was founded in 1980 by Ray Rodriguez, an activist who wanted to promote the positive attributes of graffiti. It has since become a place where graffiti can thrive and where hip-hop culture can be embraced.
- Address: 106th St at Park Ave
