What is Street Art?
Welcome back to the kARTwe Kronicles. This blog is designed to give you bite-size and timely updates on the development and evolution of the kARTwe Project. If you are new to this blog, please check out my introduction to and explanation of the objectives and context of the kARTwe Project HERE
In this edition of the kARTwe Kronicles I will attempt to answer the question “What is Street Art and What is Graffiti?” The distinction is important. All to often we face objections from the ill-informed who argue “You are messing up a public space with random and chaotic mess and squiggles.” This viewpoint often comes from a confusion between what is Steet Art and what is Graffiti. Let’s look at what these two artforms have in common and how they are different.
Is it Art?
Street art is another form of art, expressed on walls and on buildings outside in urban areas and in informal settlements. It has different rules and uses different materials. Street art is a legal form of artistic expression The street artists are asked to use their talent to create a mural or painted effect on a wall outdoors.
Many cities and towns have encouraged street art. They are creating new outdoor galleries for all to enjoy. An industrial building can become uplifted by street art designs and colourful murals.
Street artists paint in broad daylight and sign their work acknowledging their artistic creations. Street art is also called Urban Art or Public Art in an attempt to distinguish it from graffiti.
What Are the Main Features of Street Art?
- Street art is legal. The artist signs his work fully acknowledging his part in designing the artwork and painting the wall space.
- Street art is more focused on images and designs that will uplift an urban area.
- Street art is painted by artists and often they are hired to create murals that may celebrate an event or convey a message to the residents and visitors.
- The street artist uses equipment like projectors, ladders, and scissor lifts, to achieve the best effects to the work while onlookers admire their ability. What Are the Differences Between Street Art and Graffiti?
What is Graffiti?
Graffiti is unauthorized writing, drawings, or paintings on public surfaces like walls, often using spray paint or markers. Graffiti can range from simple tags to elaborate murals. It is considered both a form of self-expression, linked to hip-hop culture, and a controversial act of vandalism. While it has ancient roots, modern graffiti emerged in the 1970s in New York City and Philadelphia, often serving as visual communication, rebellion, or art in public spaces, despite legal repercussions for property owners.
Both Graffiti and Street Art have their place in the realm of urban art. However, they are two distinctly different art forms. Some of the distinguishing elements are listed below:
The kARTwe Project focuses on Street Art. We argue that learning to draw and to paint, in a formal and disciplined way, gives our students greater potential to turn a hobby into an income generating activity. Learning to draw and to paint provides a way for them to harness their skill and creativity. They can leverage this to escape from the poverty trap.
One person cannot change the world
but YOU can change the world for one person.