Urban art

Urban art, also known as street art, post-graffiti, and contemporary muralism, is a broad category of visual art created in public locations, often (though not always) executed outside of traditional art venues and galleries. It encompasses a diverse range of artistic practices, including graffiti writing, stenciling, sticker art, wheatpasting, large-scale murals, yarn bombing, sculpture installations, and performance art. Urban art is often site-specific, responding directly to the environment in which it is created, and may engage with social or political issues relevant to the local community.

While the terms "urban art" and "street art" are often used interchangeably, some distinctions can be made. "Urban art" is a broader term that encompasses any art created in an urban environment, while "street art" often specifically refers to unsanctioned or illicit art. However, this distinction is not always clear-cut, as many artists move between sanctioned and unsanctioned works, and the term "urban art" is increasingly used to describe all art created in public spaces, regardless of its legality or authorization.

A key characteristic of urban art is its accessibility to a wide audience. Unlike art displayed in museums or galleries, urban art is often freely available for anyone to experience. This accessibility allows artists to reach a diverse audience and engage with social and political issues in a direct and immediate way.

The motivations of urban artists are varied and can include a desire to express personal creativity, challenge social norms, reclaim public space, raise awareness about social or political issues, or simply beautify the urban environment. The reception of urban art is also varied, ranging from appreciation and celebration to criticism and condemnation. Some urban art is commissioned and legally sanctioned, while other works are created without permission and may be considered vandalism.

The history of urban art is complex and intertwined with the history of graffiti. While graffiti has existed for centuries in various forms, the modern urban art movement emerged in the late 20th century, influenced by graffiti writing, pop art, and other artistic movements. Over time, urban art has evolved and diversified, incorporating new techniques and technologies and addressing a wider range of social and political issues. Today, urban art is a global phenomenon, with artists creating works in cities around the world.