Street art as a form of social expression

Street art is a form of social expression that uses public space as a support to express ideas, feelings and criticism. It distinguishes itself from traditional art by its accessibility, spontaneity and ephemeral character.

History and Features:

Street art emerged in the 1960s, in New York, with the graffiti movement. Young people from marginalized communities began to graffiti walls with their names and messages, as a form of protest and affirmation of identity. Over time, graffiti has evolved and diversified, incorporating different styles, techniques and themes.

In addition to graffiti, street art encompasses other manifestations, such as:

Stencil: technique that uses molds to paint images or texts on walls.
Lambe-lambe: paper posters pasted on walls and posts.
Sculptures and installations: three-dimensional works that interact with urban space.
Urban interventions: artistic actions that modify or resignify elements of the city.

Social Functions:

Street art plays several social roles, such as:

Denunciation: exposing social, political and economic problems, such as inequality, violence and discrimination.
Protest: demonstrate against injustice, oppression and rights violations.
Resistance: affirming marginalized identities and cultures, such as black, LGBTQIA+ and indigenous.
Intervention: transform degraded or abandoned urban spaces, revitalizing them and returning them to the community.
Provocation: questioning aesthetic standards, social norms and established values.
Dialogue: encourage critical reflection and public debate on topics relevant to society.
Beautification: making the city more colorful, creative and interesting.

Striking Examples:

Street art is present in several cities around the world, with striking works that have become tourist attractions and cultural references. Some examples are:

Banksy: British artist known for his satirical and controversial graffiti.
Os Gêmeos: a duo of Brazilian graffiti artists who portray the country's culture and identity.
Eduardo Kobra: Brazilian muralist who paints colorful portraits of historical figures and pop culture icons.
Vhils: Portuguese artist who uses decollection techniques to create portraits on building facades.

Recognition and Challenges:

Street art has gained increasing recognition and appreciation, both from the public and critics. However, it still faces challenges, such as police repression, lack of institutional support and prejudice from some sectors of society.

Where to Find:

If you are interested in street art, you can find works in several cities around the world, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, New York, London, Berlin and Paris. In addition, there are several websites and social networks that promote the work of street artists.

Some examples of websites and social networks are:

Instagram: @streetart_official, @arteurbana, @grafite_sp
Facebook: Street Art Utopia, Street Art Brazil
Pinterest: Street Art, Urban Art

I hope this answer was helpful and informative. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
Latamarte