12 Questions
What form of visual expression popularized graffiti in the 1960s and 70s in America?
Tagging urban landscape
What triggered the movement of 'street art' according to the text?
Growing commercialisation
Which artistic style was NOT mentioned as part of the evolution of street art?
Mosaics
When did street art become more popular according to the text?
1980s
What made street art a controversial movement?
'Tagging' of urban landscape
What distinguished street art from traditional graffiti?
'Tags' evolving into large scale murals
What is one of the key philosophies of street artists mentioned in the text?
Making art free and accessible to everyone
Who is credited as the pioneer of stencil art in Paris?
Blek Le Rat
Which artist started tagging the streets of Paris at the age of thirteen?
André
What led to a clash between the original philosophies of street art and the commercial art world?
Artists adapting their artwork for commercial purposes
In what way has street art influenced contemporary art in the current market?
It has inspired urban artists who have adapted graffiti styles
What did some artists become so prolific at that it became part of popular culture?
Producing hundreds of thousands of versions of their characters
Study Notes
Street Art: Origins and Evolution
- Graffiti emerged as a form of visual expression in the 1960s and 70s in America, as a backlash to growing commercialization.
- Street art originated in the world of graffiti, with artists using marker pens and spray-cans to express their frustrations with society in an anonymous, albeit illegal, way.
Development of Street Art
- By the 1980s, street art became more popular, with artists pushing boundaries and one-upping each other with more daring targets for their 'tags'.
- Street art evolved to include various styles, such as stencils, freehand spray-painting, and collage, moving beyond traditional tagging of walls to large-scale murals, site-specific installations, and sculptures.
Key Philosophies of Street Artists
- A desire to create art that is free and accessible to all, taking it beyond the gallery walls and into urban neighborhoods.
- The movement's rapid growth maintained a constant focus on accessibility and freedom.
Global Recognition and Notable Artists
- By the end of the 20th Century, street art was globally recognized, with artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat becoming household names.
- European cities saw the emergence of artists like Blek Le Rat in Paris and Banksy in the UK.
The Clash of Street Art and Commercialism
- The commercial art world clashed with the original philosophies of street art, as artists developed into commercial artists and their artwork moved from the streets to galleries and auction houses.
- This evolution raises questions about the nature of street art and its core principles.
Influence on Contemporary Art
- Street art has had a strong influence on contemporary art, with many 'urban artists' adapting graffiti styles and street art aesthetics.
- Artists like Dan Baldwin, who has exhibited with Banksy and Peter Blake, continue to push the boundaries of street art.
Explore the transformation of vandalism into art through the dynamic movement of street art. Delve into the complexity and controversy surrounding this form of 'high art', from its origins in the later half of the 20th Century to its recognition in galleries and auction houses.
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