THE EVOLUTION OF STREET ART – FROM VANDALISM TO MASTERPIECE
- The Takes
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Street art divides opinion, for some it's pure vandalism, while others view it as a legitimate art form. From its rebellious origins in '70s New York to its mainstream recognition today, street art has evolved into a social commentary, cultural expression, and public engagement.
With artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey gaining global acclaim and murals transforming communities, shouldn’t street art be celebrated like any other genre?
By Jasmine L.
People tend to have different views on Street art, both positive and negative. Should street art be praised and recognised just like any other genre of art?
Street art is a form of expression created in public places, such as on the walls of streets. People often refer to it as 'graffiti', which generally implies that the area is not well-maintained or may even have connotations of being unsafe. People often associate street art with vandalism, which is a view that some still hold to this day.
The Origins of Street Art: Tagging and Rebellion in the 1970s
It is believed that the popularity of street art originated in New York in the 1970s, often appearing in subways or on the streets. The earliest form of street art is called ‘tagging’; still happening today, it is a way for artists to tag unique and unreachable places, competing against other artists to tag the most places with unique designs of their names. It was seen as a rebellious act against authority and was not socially accepted.
Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring: Mainstream Acceptance
However, towards the 1980s, artists who were publicly validated like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring brought street art into the mainstream and started to use public spaces as their canvas.
Haring has a rather distinctive art style; he is known for his bold and defined outlines and vivid colours. Basquiat is one of Haring’s friends and began his career in spray-painting enigmatic epigrams on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the 1970s. Their style of art is tied to hip-hop, punk and new-wave countercultures. This helped street art gain validation and become more socially acceptable.
The 1990s: Street Art as Social Commentary
Street art in the 90s has evolved far from where it originated, as many street artists continue to thrive and have started to include political messages, social commentary, and public engagement. This movement brought a lot of attention to street art; people could then see it as a symbol of reform and holding hidden messages.
The New Millennium: Innovation in Materials and Techniques
Not only that, but street art also continued to evolve into the 2000s, with new materials mixed into the creation of street art like stickers, stencils and wheat-pasting, which allowed artists to express themselves in various ways.
In the present day, street art has become mainstream, and artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey have gained international fame. Their artworks auction for significant sums of money.
Global Recognition: Street Art in Museums and Festivals
It has continued to be recognised as a form of high art by appearing in museums and galleries, which validated its importance in art industry and is not always seen as a form of vandalism anymore. International events like the Venice Biennale and various street art festivals around the world have showcased street art on a global stage. Moreover, a lot of street artists collaborate with communities to create murals that help reflect local culture and history; it is a way of expression for cultures and people.
To conclude, street art has evolved from simple tags and vomit of the mind to multimedia art installations that are publicly recognised and considered high art.
By Jasmine L.
