11.2 Notable Street Artists and Their Styles
3 min read•august 12, 2024
has evolved from underground to a respected art form. Pioneers like and Haring paved the way, addressing social issues through their unique styles. Their work laid the foundation for street art's growing influence.
Today, artists like and continue to push boundaries, using public spaces as their canvas. These contemporary street artists blend creativity with , making art accessible to all and challenging traditional art world norms.
Pioneering Street Artists
Early Influencers: Basquiat and Haring
Top images from around the web for Early Influencers: Basquiat and Haring
The Broad | Jean‐Michel Basquiat - Untitled | Jeremy Thompson | Flickr View original
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We The Youth by Keith Haring (1987) | "We The Youth" was res… | Flickr View original
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Keith Haring’s Crack is Wack mural – From illegal to protected View original
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The Broad | Jean‐Michel Basquiat - Untitled | Jeremy Thompson | Flickr View original
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We The Youth by Keith Haring (1987) | "We The Youth" was res… | Flickr View original
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Top images from around the web for Early Influencers: Basquiat and Haring
The Broad | Jean‐Michel Basquiat - Untitled | Jeremy Thompson | Flickr View original
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We The Youth by Keith Haring (1987) | "We The Youth" was res… | Flickr View original
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Keith Haring’s Crack is Wack mural – From illegal to protected View original
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The Broad | Jean‐Michel Basquiat - Untitled | Jeremy Thompson | Flickr View original
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We The Youth by Keith Haring (1987) | "We The Youth" was res… | Flickr View original
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- Jean-Michel Basquiat emerged from New York City's graffiti scene in the late 1970s
- Developed a unique style combining neo-expressionist painting with social commentary
- Frequently addressed themes of racism, power structures, and class struggle
- Gained recognition for his before transitioning to gallery art
- Collaborated with Andy Warhol and achieved international fame before his untimely death
- popularized accessible, cartoon-like imagery in street art during the 1980s
- Created bold, simplistic figures and symbols that conveyed complex social messages
- Addressed issues like , , and through his art
- Developed the "" as his signature motif
- Established the to make his art widely available to the public
Political and Subversive Artists: Fairey and Banksy
- gained notoriety with his "" sticker campaign
- Evolved the concept into the phenomenon
- Combines propaganda aesthetics with pop culture imagery
- Created the iconic "Hope" poster for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign
- Addresses political and social issues through large-scale murals and
- Banksy remains an anonymous British street artist known for satirical and subversive work
- Employs to create detailed, politically charged images
- Critiques , war, and through clever visual metaphors
- Gained international attention for his installations in conflict zones (West Bank barrier)
- Engages in headline-grabbing stunts (self-shredding artwork at Sotheby's auction)
International Street Artists
European Innovators: JR and Invader
- JR transforms with
- Began as a graffiti artist before transitioning to photography
- Creates massive black-and-white portraits of local community members
- Implements that engage communities globally
- Won the TED Prize in 2011 for his "Inside Out" project
- Invader installs mosaic pieces inspired by 8-bit
- Derives his pseudonym from the classic arcade game Space Invaders
- Creates small, using
- Developed a point system for his global "invasion" of cities
- Expanded his work to include QR code mosaics and
Global Street Art Pioneers: Blu and Os Gêmeos
- produces massive, surrealist murals with strong political messages
- Originates from Bologna, Italy, but works internationally
- Known for stop-motion animation videos created from sequential murals
- Addresses themes of globalization, capitalism, and environmental issues
- Famously painted over his own murals in Berlin to protest
- , twin brothers from São Paulo, Brazil, create vibrant, narrative-driven murals
- Blend Brazilian folk art with hip-hop culture influences
- Feature distinctive yellow-skinned characters in fantastical scenes
- Incorporate elements of Brazilian culture and mythology in their work
- Expanded from street art to gallery shows and large-scale public installations
Contemporary Street Artists
Innovative Techniques and Styles
- Swoon creates intricate, life-sized wheat paste portraits and installations
- Focuses on humanizing urban environments through her delicate paper cutouts
- Addresses social and environmental issues in her work
- Builds large-scale floating sculptures from reclaimed materials
- Combines street art with community activism and sustainable design
- KAWS evolved from street art to become a globally recognized pop culture artist
- Began by altering advertisements in New York City bus shelters
- Developed signature characters (Companion, Chum) with X-ed out eyes
- Collaborates with major brands (Uniqlo, Dior) for limited edition products
- Creates large-scale sculptures and paintings that blur lines between fine art and commercialism
Key Terms to Review (37)
Aids awareness: AIDS awareness refers to the understanding and knowledge about Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), its causes, transmission, prevention, and the social stigma associated with the disease. This concept has been notably conveyed through various art forms, including street art, where artists use public spaces to educate, provoke thought, and advocate for change regarding health issues and human rights.
Andre the giant has a posse: 'Andre the Giant Has a Posse' is a street art campaign initiated by artist Shepard Fairey in the late 1980s, featuring an iconic image of the professional wrestler André the Giant alongside the phrase. This phrase and image became a symbol of guerrilla art, as it was plastered in urban environments and evolved into a viral meme that challenged perceptions of celebrity and public space. The project reflects themes of subversion, social commentary, and the power of repetition in art, which are key elements in the world of street artists and their unique styles.
Apartheid: Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that existed in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s. It enforced strict racial divisions, limiting the rights of non-white citizens and maintaining white supremacy in political, economic, and social spheres. This oppressive regime created a backdrop for numerous artists, particularly street artists, who used their work to challenge these injustices and advocate for equality.
Banksy: Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director known for his satirical and often provocative artwork that combines dark humor with social and political commentary. His work has made a significant impact on contemporary culture, influencing discussions on consumerism, public space, and art as a medium for social change.
Basquiat: Jean-Michel Basquiat was a pioneering artist known for his raw and expressive graffiti-influenced works that emerged from the New York City street art scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His art combined elements of African-American culture, social commentary, and personal symbolism, making him a significant figure in contemporary art and a key influencer in the evolution of street art as a respected medium.
Blu: Blu is an influential Italian street artist known for his large-scale murals that often combine political commentary with surreal imagery. His work typically features bold colors, especially shades of blue, and addresses social issues, making him a prominent figure in contemporary street art culture.
Capitalism: Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals or businesses own capital goods, and production and prices are determined by competition in a free market. This system promotes innovation and efficiency, as businesses strive to meet consumer demands while maximizing profits. In the realm of art, particularly street art, capitalism influences the way artists create, distribute, and monetize their work, impacting their visibility and success.
Ceramic tiles: Ceramic tiles are hard, durable tiles made from natural clay and minerals that are shaped and fired in a kiln. They have become a popular medium for street artists, who use them to create vibrant and intricate murals on walls and public spaces, transforming urban environments into engaging art galleries.
Colorful mosaics: Colorful mosaics are artistic compositions made from small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials arranged to create intricate images or patterns. These vibrant artworks are often found in urban spaces, adding color and life to streets while also conveying messages about culture, identity, and community.
Community engagement: Community engagement refers to the process of involving individuals and groups in artistic practices and cultural initiatives that foster connections, participation, and collaboration. This approach emphasizes the role of art in building relationships within communities, enhancing social cohesion, and addressing local issues through creative expression.
Cultural Revitalization: Cultural revitalization refers to the process of reawakening and strengthening the cultural identity, traditions, and practices of a specific community or group that may have been marginalized or threatened. This term connects to how street artists use their work to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage while addressing social issues, contributing to a sense of pride and belonging within their communities.
Drug abuse: Drug abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs, which can lead to significant impairment or distress. This behavior can be closely linked to various societal issues and is often depicted in contemporary art as a reflection of urban life and struggles within communities, making it a common theme among notable street artists who address social concerns through their work.
Gentrification: Gentrification is the process where urban neighborhoods undergo transformation, often leading to the influx of more affluent residents and the displacement of lower-income residents. This phenomenon is closely tied to changes in the socio-economic landscape, often impacting local culture, art, and community dynamics. As artists and creative individuals move into these neighborhoods, their work can sometimes reflect the tensions between old and new residents, raising questions about identity and belonging.
Graffiti: Graffiti refers to visual art created on public surfaces, often involving spray paint, markers, or other materials. It serves as a form of expression and communication, frequently addressing social, political, and cultural issues while often being associated with urban environments. The various styles and techniques used by street artists can transform everyday spaces into vibrant canvases that reflect the dynamic nature of contemporary culture.
Hope Poster: The Hope Poster is an iconic piece of street art created by artist Shepard Fairey, which features a stylized image of Barack Obama with the word 'HOPE' prominently displayed beneath it. This poster emerged during the 2008 presidential campaign and quickly became a symbol of hope and change, reflecting the aspirations of many Americans for a new direction in politics and society.
Inside Out Project: The Inside Out Project is a global social art initiative that encourages individuals to share their stories and identities through large-scale photographic portraits displayed in public spaces. This project, founded by artist JR, aims to empower communities, provoke dialogue, and challenge societal norms by turning personal narratives into striking visual statements that can be seen and experienced in the urban landscape.
Jr: jr is a French street artist known for his large-scale black-and-white photographic installations that engage communities and provoke dialogue about social issues. By using photography as his primary medium, he creates stunning visual narratives that often feature portraits of people from various backgrounds, emphasizing their stories and identities in public spaces.
Keith Haring: Keith Haring was an influential American artist known for his vibrant, graffiti-inspired artwork that emerged in the early 1980s. His unique style featured bold lines and bright colors, often conveying social messages related to issues like AIDS, apartheid, and LGBTQ rights. Haring's work bridged the gap between street art and fine art, making significant contributions to the evolution of contemporary art and culture.
Large-scale photographic portraits: Large-scale photographic portraits are oversized images that capture the likeness of individuals, often displayed in public spaces. These portraits emphasize the human figure and can convey powerful emotions or social messages, reflecting the artist's intent to connect with viewers on a personal level. They serve not only as artistic expressions but also as cultural commentaries, particularly in the context of street art.
Led installations: LED installations are artistic works that incorporate light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a primary medium, often transforming spaces and engaging viewers through dynamic lighting effects. These installations can range from large-scale public art pieces to intimate gallery works, showcasing the versatility of LEDs in creating immersive environments. They often interact with the surrounding architecture and audience, making them a popular choice among contemporary artists.
Muralism: Muralism is an artistic movement that emphasizes the creation of large-scale murals, typically painted directly on walls, to convey social and political messages. This form of art emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in Mexico, as a response to social inequalities and a desire to promote cultural identity. Muralism serves as a powerful medium for community engagement and public discourse, linking it closely with the evolution of street art and graffiti, its impact on contemporary visual culture, and the notable artists who shaped its narrative.
Obey Giant: Obey Giant refers to the street art campaign and visual identity created by artist Shepard Fairey, primarily known for his iconic image of Andre the Giant, which has become a symbol of guerrilla art and social commentary. This phrase embodies the idea of challenging authority and questioning societal norms through art that is accessible to everyone. Fairey's work, often seen on urban walls and public spaces, represents a blend of pop culture and political activism, highlighting the impact of street art in contemporary society.
Os gêmeos: Os gêmeos, meaning 'the twins' in Portuguese, refers to the Brazilian twin brothers, Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo, who are renowned street artists. They are known for their distinctive style that combines vibrant colors, surreal imagery, and social commentary, reflecting their experiences growing up in São Paulo. Their work often features whimsical characters and dream-like narratives that engage with themes of identity, culture, and urban life.
Participatory Art Projects: Participatory art projects are collaborative art initiatives that actively involve the audience or community in the creation or development of the artwork. These projects blur the lines between artist and viewer, fostering engagement and often encouraging social change or dialogue through collective experiences. They emphasize interaction and the shared creation of meaning, making art more accessible and relevant to diverse groups.
Pop Shop: A pop shop refers to a temporary retail space or event that showcases and sells merchandise, often connected to street art and urban culture. These shops allow artists to engage directly with their audience, providing a platform for limited-edition products, prints, and artwork that reflect contemporary street styles. The concept of the pop shop emphasizes the fusion of art, commerce, and community, becoming a vital space for artistic expression and cultural exchange.
Public space: Public space refers to areas that are open and accessible to all individuals, typically owned by the government or community, where people can gather, interact, and engage with their environment. It serves as a platform for social interaction, cultural expression, and democratic participation, making it essential for street artists to showcase their work and engage with a wider audience.
Radiant Baby: The Radiant Baby is an iconic symbol associated with the artist Keith Haring, representing innocence, joy, and the energy of youth. This character, depicted as a crawling baby with a radiant aura, embodies Haring's belief in the power of art to communicate messages of love and acceptance, especially in the context of social issues like AIDS and the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Samo© tag: The samo© tag is a notable street art signature created by the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in the late 1970s. It is a stylized combination of the words 'same old' and 'samo,' representing the artist's commentary on consumerism and the commodification of art. This tag became an iconic symbol within the New York City art scene, highlighting the intersection of street culture and fine art.
Shepard Fairey: Shepard Fairey is an American contemporary street artist, graphic designer, and activist, best known for his iconic 'Obey Giant' campaign and the 'Hope' poster featuring Barack Obama. His work blends art and political activism, influencing contemporary visual culture and the broader landscape of street art.
Social commentary: Social commentary is the expression of opinions or criticisms regarding societal issues, often aiming to raise awareness and provoke thought among audiences. This form of artistic expression can highlight injustices, question cultural norms, and encourage dialogue about pressing social concerns. It is particularly evident in various art forms, including installation art and street art, where artists often use their medium to address contemporary issues.
Social injustice: Social injustice refers to the unfair treatment of individuals or groups within a society, often manifesting in the form of discrimination, inequality, and the denial of basic human rights. It highlights the systemic barriers and inequities that affect marginalized communities, drawing attention to issues such as poverty, racism, gender inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Street artists often use their work to critique these injustices and advocate for social change.
Stencil techniques: Stencil techniques refer to a method of creating art by applying paint or ink over a cut-out template, allowing for the reproduction of images or designs with precision and consistency. This technique is commonly used in street art, where artists can quickly and effectively transfer their designs onto surfaces, contributing to the visual culture of urban spaces. The versatility of stencil techniques allows artists to convey powerful messages and engage with social issues through their work.
Street art: Street art is a form of visual art created in public spaces, often characterized by its bold, expressive style and social or political messages. It serves as a medium for artists to engage with the community, challenge societal norms, and express personal and collective experiences, bridging cultural divides and influencing contemporary visual culture.
Urban Intervention: Urban intervention refers to artistic actions or projects that aim to engage with, transform, or enhance urban spaces. These interventions can take various forms, from temporary installations and performances to permanent public art pieces, and often address social, political, or environmental issues within the urban landscape. This practice allows artists to directly interact with communities, prompting discussions and reflections on the environment and society.
Urban Spaces: Urban spaces refer to areas within cities that are specifically designed or utilized for various activities, including commercial, residential, recreational, and cultural purposes. These spaces are crucial in shaping the dynamics of city life, influencing social interactions and artistic expressions, especially in the context of street art, where public places become canvases for creativity and cultural commentary.
Video game characters: Video game characters are the fictional figures that players control or interact with in video games, serving as the central agents of storytelling and gameplay. These characters can be protagonists, antagonists, or supporting figures, and they often embody unique traits, backstories, and abilities that engage players. The design and development of these characters are influenced by various artistic styles and cultural narratives, making them significant within the realm of contemporary art.
Wheat paste posters: Wheat paste posters are a form of street art that involves creating large-scale images or graphics by pasting paper posters onto public surfaces using a mixture of wheat flour and water as an adhesive. This technique is popular among street artists because it is inexpensive, easy to apply, and allows for vibrant, eye-catching designs that can quickly transform urban environments. Wheat paste posters have become a significant medium for expression in contemporary street art, often conveying social and political messages.