Street art is an expression of passion, talent and creativity that have been seen in many cities around the world and has become an integral part of the urban landscape. New York City, also known as “The Big Apple”, is one of the world’s most artistic cities and is home to some of the best street art, graffiti and murals around.
The Power of Street Art
Street art has the power to transform a neighborhood and can be a form of self-expression for the artist. In New York, street art isn’t just about graffiti, it’s also about creative expression and the power of public art. Street art can uplift and inspire, as well as visually enhance public spaces.
The History of Street Art in New York
Street art as we know it now didn’t really emerge until the late 1960s when it was used as a form of protest against socio-political issues. By the 1970s, street art in New York City was more prevalent and artists such as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Futura 2000 had pushed the boundaries of graffiti art to create iconic and dynamic works.
The Rise of Graffiti Writers in New York
Graffiti writers have been active in New York since the late 60s and early 70s, when they first started tagging subway trains. For these writers, it was a way of expressing themselves and establishing their presence in the city. Today, graffiti writers in the city have become more established and the number of graffiti writers has increased.
The Subculture of Graffiti Writing
In the early days of graffiti writing in New York, there was a strong sense of community among the writers. They had their own language, symbols, and style that was used when generating tags and pieces. The graffiti subculture still exists in New York today and has evolved to include a wide variety of styles, including “throw ups,” “pieces,” and “burners.”
Different Forms of Street Art
When it comes to street art in New York, there are a variety of styles, such as graffitis, murals, street installations, stickers, canvases, paste-ups, and even sculptures. Each form of street art has a different purpose and can be used to send a specific message.
Graffiti on the Rise in New York
Graffiti is one of the most common forms of street art in New York City, but it’s also one of the most controversial. The city has seen a rise in graffiti in recent years and many local businesses, residents, and passerby’s have complained about the increased visibility of graffiti.
The Rise of Street Art Installations
Installation art is the practice of creating artwork with a large-scale impact. Street art installation has been increasingly popular in recent years, with many artists creating works that serve functional purposes while simultaneously beautifying public space.
Public Art Commissions by the City
Public art commissions have been a great way for the city of New York to promote street art. The city commission helps local artists showcase their work and encourages art appreciation in communities around the city.
The Benefits of Street Art
Street art has a variety of benefits, from promoting tourism to increasing the value of commercial properties. Its presence has been proven to promote creativity, improve wellbeing, foster branding and marketing opportunities, and bring communities together.
Famous Street Artists from New York
Some of the most famous street artists from New York include Swoon, Ron English, Aakash Nihalani, and Monica Canilao. These artists have become renowned for their unique style and eye-catching works.
Taking Street Art from Public Spaces to the Art Gallery
In recent years, street art has become increasingly popular, and some street artists have successfully transitioned their work from public spaces to prestigious galleries. The movement of street art from public spaces to the gallery has helped increase its recognition in the art world, and many of its practitioners have created iconic works.
From Graffiti to Fine Art
Although graffiti is largely associated with vandalism, street art has evolved to become something more than just surface scribbles. Street art has become an important part of the contemporary art movement, and with that, graffiti has become an accepted form of modern art.
Street art in New York has a long history, and it has become more than just vandalism. From graffiti to installation art, street art has the power to transform a space, evoke emotion, and create dialogue. From its subversive roots to high-end galleries, New York street art continues to evolve and transform the urban landscape.
