7 Graffiti Murals You Need to See

Urban art is any artistic manifestation carried out on the streets, such as paintings, graffiti, sculptures, living statues and other presentations, as opposed to acts of vandalism. These manifestations take place in public spaces (buildings, houses, tunnels, overpasses, etc.) and interact directly with the public passing by.

In Brazil and around the world, urban art has been gaining more and more recognition and followers. Therefore, if you enjoy this form of artistic expression and want to incorporate it into your architectural projects, I invite you to read this content. In this post, we will highlight relevant information about urban art, as well as share several murals made in graffiti by talented artists. Check it out!
What is urban art?

Urban art is any artistic manifestation carried out on the streets, such as paintings, graffiti, sculptures, living statues and other presentations, as opposed to acts of vandalism. These demonstrations take place in public spaces (buildings, houses, tunnels, overpasses, etc.) and interact directly with passersby.

What is the purpose of urban art?

The purpose that guides the practice of urban art is precisely to bring accessibility, visibility and contemplation to an art that was previously only expressed in so-called “consecrated” places such as theaters, cinemas, libraries and museums and, therefore, restricted to only a portion of the population.

For artists, urban art does not need a cultural movement or recognition to happen, it only needs the streets. Through urban art, it is possible to spark reflections in passersby, as well as communicate struggles, protests and complaints that cover social and political issues.

1 Urban art: graffiti mural by artist Paulo Ito in the Pompeia region - SP. Photo: Sampa Graffitti
What are the types of urban art?

Graffiti: considered the most popular form of urban art. Phrases and drawings usually made with spray paint cover the walls of houses, buildings, tunnels and streets. Over time, urban art made with graffiti has evolved and today it is possible to find 3D works that interact with the local nature.

Stencil: art very similar to graffiti. This artistic expression uses cut-out paper as a mold and spray paint to fix phrases and drawings;

Living statues: artists present themselves to the public painted and characterized as a form of tourist entertainment;

Individual or group presentations: these presentations can have a theatrical, musical or circus character;

Adhesive labels: also known as sticker art, this art comes from the form of expression of sticking stickers with messages or images in public spaces;

Posters: a model of urban intervention where posters are placed around the city;

Literary manifestations: use of poems expressed on benches, posts, walls, etc.;

Sculptures or other installations: objects or materials created to provoke reflection in passers-by and to change the local scene.

2 Urban art: mural by artist Diego Mouro (@diego.mouro) on Rua Treze de Maio, Bixiga. Photo: Pedro Ricci
What is the origin of urban art?

According to historical records, it can be said that urban art emerged in Pre-Socratic Greece, through the Homeric aedos (singers) who spoke in verse and music, in order to engage the public with their melody.

In the Middle Ages, urban art was transmitted through troubadours, noble artists responsible for reciting verses, melodies, poems and stories sung at city festivals and in palaces.

In the 1970s, urban art made its presence felt in New York City, in the United States, with a more dynamic and temporary characteristic.

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What is urban art like in Brazil?

In Brazil, the first signs of urban art appeared around the 1970s, more specifically in the city of São Paulo, through urban art expressed in graffiti on the walls of houses, buildings and tunnels.

It is worth mentioning that urban art expressed in graffiti emerged during a very turbulent period in the country, marked by the repression and censorship caused by the Military Dictatorship in Brazil. In the beginning, there was no aesthetic concern with images and drawings; it was enough that they were legible in order to convey the restlessness and dissatisfaction of society.

Eduardo Kobra, Os Gêmeos, Binho Ribeiro, Crânio, Anarkia Boladona (Panmela Castro), Nunca, Alex Hornest, Nina Pandolfo, Zezão, Nick Alive, Mari Pavanelli, Tinho, Paulo Ito and Diego Mouro are some of the talented graffiti artists who spread urban art in different corners of our country and around the world.

3 Oscar Niemeyer was honored by Eduardo Kobra's urban graffiti art on Avenida Paulista. Photo: Os Gêmeos
Nature and urban art change the streetscape

When nature and urban art mix, the representation and meaning of the work become even more special and valuable. This is because, in addition to these spaces attracting the attention of passers-by, they are also more entertaining than most projects without this interaction.

However, this is a different kind of work, since the artist has to find a suitable place for his creation, as well as be aware that the elements of nature are not static and permanent and, therefore, his urban art expressed in graffiti will not be either.

Plant beds, trees and green walls are some of the elements of nature that are normally used to interact with urban art made in graffiti.

Check out some more artistic graffiti interventions spread throughout Brazil and the world
Urban art: grand mural created by artist Natalia Rak

4 Urban art: grand mural created by artist Natalia Rak. Source: Instagram (@nataliarakart)
Urban art: artistic intervention made by artist Mari Pavanelli in the Real Parque community

5 Urban art: artistic intervention made by artist Mari Pavanelli in the Real Parque community. Source: Instagram (@maripavanelli)

6. Example of urban art that interacts with nature. Source: Instagram

7. Urban art: graffiti mural by Eduardo Kobra in the Pinheiros region - SP. Photo: Sampa Graffitti