What is street art?

Street Art or Street Art is the expression that refers to artistic manifestations developed in the public space, distinguishing it from manifestations of an institutional or business nature, as well as mere vandalism. At first, an underground movement, street art was gradually constituted as a form of artistic making, covering several modalities.

Street art doesn't need time, space, cultural movement or recognition to happen, it just needs the street. And so it happens, in the least expected places, in ghettos, in dumps, under bridges, in damaged walls and in abandoned places.

This artistic expression, spread all over the world, emerged in the United States, in the 70s, and has a dynamic and ephemeral character, which can be immortalized by photography.

However, scholars claim that this art dates back to very ancient times, since the Greeks and Romans already transmitted messages through the city streets, as well as having many artists in urban centers (music, theater, dance).

Grafite nas Ruas: Arte Urbana que Transforma as Cidades

The central proposition of urban art is precisely to leave the so-called “consecrated” places, that is, destined for artistic exhibitions and presentations (cultural equipment: theater, cinemas, libraries, museums), to give visibility to everyday art, spread through the streets.

The themes used by street artists are very diverse, however, many works are based on social, political and economic criticism.

It is important to analyze the growth of urban art in recent times, so that it comes to be seen as a very important “cultural value” for minorities who live in urban centers and yearn to show their art.

Ribeirão Pires seleciona grafiteiros para Projeto Museu de Arte de Rua

Thus, these popular manifestations allow the encounter with independent art, despite the fact that many street artists have been consecrated worldwide, recognized by the media, industry and various means of mass communication.

In Brazil, street art appears in the 70's, more precisely with the graffiti works on the walls of the city of São Paulo.

Interestingly, it emerged at a troubled time in the country's history, with the advent of the Military Dictatorship. It was a marginalized art, however, it acquired a prominent position in the art market, with several artists from the country consecrated around the world.

Although the street artist's work is not recognized by many, it is important to highlight the artist's importance and relevance to society.