WHAT IS STREET ART? HINT: IT ISN'T VANDALISM

WHAT IS STREET ART?

Street art is used as a form of expression which is created on surfaces in public spaces like neighborhood walls or highway overpasses. This form of art is common in urban areas. It is an art form used to convey a message or opinion that is based on political issues or social ideas.

A common myth is that these art forms can only be done using stencils and spray paints. In reality they can be done with stickers spread over the surfaces or by covering trees or telephone poles with vivid fibers and knitting. While this is a very creative form of art, many people consider street art a form of vandalism instead of an expression.

STREET ART FROM THE EARLIER TIMES

Street art is deeply rooted in the revolutionary practices of those who found issues linked to class, race or gender. It’s initial starting in modern times can be seen as tagging or scratching of initials on public property.

The earliest forms of street art date back to 30,000 years in the forms of drawings and paintings in prehistoric caves. They were drawn in ceremonial and sacred areas of the caves. These drawings depicted scenes of expedition and hunting. Ancient graffiti displayed phrases of love declarations and simple words of thought unlike today's popular messages of social and political ideals.

In the 1960s graffiti was used by political activists and dangerous gangs. This is one of the reasons why graffiti is discredited as a form of art by some.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRAFFITI AND STREET ART

Graffiti and street art are both similar forms of art that are used to express opinions and emotions. It’s natural to think they are the same. But they differ slightly.

Graffiti is word-based and its ‘writers’ are mostly self-taught. This art form comes from inner city neighborhoods as a type of self-expression. It is a form of personal expression of the artist. The intent is just to express a personal opinion, which can be perceived as offensive. It’s written in a blunt and firm manner coated with beautiful calligraphy and at times eye-catching figures. Graffiti is illegal, but it is this risk that gives these artists anti-societal thrill.

Street art, on the other hand, is mostly done by artists who have received formal training. Initially, artists were inspired by graffiti in making the streets their canvas. It had some underlying message for the public that is stated through paintings and drawings ONLY. Usage of words and offensive language isn’t in practice. Street art is usually painted with permission.

(IMAGE CAPTION) Graffiti Art (left) is figurative and fancy wording combined with images but street art (right) is purely image based.

Design: Adya