Art is a fundamentally human activity, as everyone knows. It calls upon emotions, senses, and intuitions as well as intellect. Other forms of art exist, even if it is not common to visit museums or other exhibitions to enjoy an artistic journey among paintings, sculptures, and frescoes. For example, tattoos, architectural art, and street art are all examples of art on the skin.
What is street art ?
Street art is a booming form of art and is particularly popular among young street artists and other young people. This new artistic movement encompasses all types of street and public space art using various techniques. It is currently practiced in cities, on signs, pavements, poles, fire hydrants, and even sidewalks. This ancient art has been brought up to date since the 1960s, and today it can be found in all major cities, notably New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Brussels, Tokyo, Douala, and even Barcelona. It is now an integral part of popular culture. It is common to see graffiti in the streets or works of art that force us to appreciate them properly. These open-air museums invade cities worldwide like an incurable virus, but in a positive way.
Street Art: Art exhibited in the streets
The Mr Brainwash street art Wall in London
Street art helps identify the true works of underground culture. It allows us to distinguish a creation from vandalism that has no artistic value. Even though street art pieces are often anonymous, it is possible to recognize the artist's style if you have some knowledge. It is difficult to assign copyright and the durability of the work is also hard to guarantee. This is due to the nature of street art, which is often exposed to weather conditions, time, and human aggression. Street art is a constantly evolving form of art, and the artist cannot guarantee its longevity. They can be certain that their creation will be seen by many people, allowing it to become a massive collective exhibition.
Urban art
Urban art is characterized by its public nature, designed for a wide audience in urban spaces, but also because it allows for freedom, since people can express themselves freely without any restrictions or limitations. It can be created using various techniques, such as graffiti, stencils and stickers, mosaic, or yarn bombing. Yarn bombing is a form of urban knitting that uses yarn to cover streets. It can also take the form of a video projection or a chalk drawing on the sidewalk. Street art can be used to protest, advocate for a cause, participate in a movement, or simply share a message with the public. It is a form of expression that allows artists from all backgrounds to express themselves freely.
Street art artists
Street art has seen many artists rise to prominence since its inception. Some are obvious, like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Others, like Banksy or Shepard Fairey. Other artists, such as the Brazilian twins Os Gemeos and the French artist JR, are less well known but no less talented, and continue to shape the history of urban art with their unique creations.
