Is street art … art?
I’ve often asked myself this question as I’ve strolled the streets of Paris. And now, thanks to an exhibit at Paris’ Musée de La Poste, I can answer with a definitive “YES.”
The exhibit Au-delá du Street Art brought together the work of many well-known urban artists including Miss.Tic, Banksy, Dran, Invader, Swoon and Shepard Fairey.
I loved Dran’s droll take on TinTin’s adventures in France. “Because of a strike, no trains will run today,” reads the sign.
I also loved seeing Invader’s mosaics up close, along with a video of him working.
I was stunned by the quality of some of the works …
… amused by their subversive humor …
… and charmed or moved by a few others.
I enjoyed seeing the next generation of street-artists-in-the-making, huddled here for a lecture about Dran’s methods and message.
But most of all I loved seeing Miss.Tic’s work in the museum …
… and then recognizing it again on the streets of Paris. “I know who painted this!” I felt like telling the oblivious passersby.
For me, that’s one of the cool things about street art: It fades into the background until you notice it. But once you notice it, you see it everywhere — like these slightly, um, enhanced “Do not enter” signs by Chet Abraham.
Soon, I was spotting fun variations, like this one in the Marais …
… and this one, just outside the Palais de Justice …
… and this one, near a row of restaurants along the Quai St. Michel …
… and these, near the Place Dauphine.
I even found a knock-off of The Vitruvian Man!
So by the time I saw Abraham’s work included in an ad paid for by the city of Paris, I wasn’t too surprised.
There are some who say street art makes the city look dirty and sloppy, that it’s vandalism of private property.
But others maintain that street art is our zeitgeist … an expression of who we are.
Regardless of how you feel about it, I hope you can at least agree that it’s art.
And if you don’t like it? Don’t worry. What’s here today …
… will be gone tomorrow.
This is street art. Grrrrrr!
HeideBlog 
These art pieces are glorious! Thanks for sharing.
I had only seen the first version of the Do Not Enter guys messing with the big white bar; didn’t realize there were so many variations!
Fascinating, thanks for compiling these! Forgive me if you’re written about this before and I’ve missed it, but do you see much, or any, street art in the Twin Cities? I bet it’s out there, somewhere…
I see a *ton* of street art in the Twin Cities, Pam! (In fact, two well-known local guys — Biafra and Kater — have been pretty active in my own neighborhood.) We have some fantastic murals, which I documented a couple of years ago (https://hmunro.wordpress.com/2011/09/10/a-minneapolis-mural-mozy/). But now you have me thinking that it’s time to do a street-art special about the Twin Cities, my dear muse … 🙂
Definitely art, not doubt about it. 🙂
Although sometimes I think they could put a little more thought into their canvases. 🙂
Art, definitely. Great post!
I’ve always enjoyed your photography of this great city. Now that Google Reader will soon be gone, I’m switching my WP blogs to their reader. Not my first choice, but the alternative is to stop reading altogether.
These are beautiful, and definitely art!
Lovely article! I love street art and took photos of it all around the world during a trip around the world recently. I think it is definitely ART but accessible art! Nice to read your thoughts on it!
Very soon! I will post a new street art prohject in glasgow where the artist was doing it as I passed! Somehow this was magical! x
http://myloveforscotland.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/street-art-in-glasgow-the-day-i-saw-art-during-its-creation/
some street art in my homeland xxx
Very cool, Angie! I plan to do a follow-up post to discuss my readers’ reaction to the idea of street art. Would it be alright to enclose a link to your site in that post?
Lovely photographs. Street art is democratic and accessible, that’s why the “is it art?” question is even asked at all. We’ve turned art into something usually only the wealthy have access to….it’s a sad loss. I see graffiti artists as the buskers of the painting world 🙂
Great to hear you have so many busker friends, they’re often interesting people (and you are who you hang out with, of course!). A propos of nothing, your gravatar is painfully adorable!!
You are so correct, sugarabstinence — buskers are generally a fascinating lot. I’m working on a series about buskers, in fact, because I’ve grown so curious about their lives. That one will probably end up being a travel article, but I’ll publish some snippets here too. Oh, and I’m glad you like my gravatar. My whiskers are even longer, now that I’ve given up tweezing. Ha.
The photographs are amazing–thanks for a great post!
That being said, I totally philosophically disagree with your point. If any of these works were done on an individual’s private property, then someone’s rights have been violated. And when someone’s actual rights are violated, it is disingenuous to call it art rather than vandalism. If you punch me in the face, it is a moral evasion if you call your action “sports” or “training.”
Now all those unnecessary signs but up by the government, that’s another story . . . 🙂
I basically agree! Most of the street art IS artistic. Considering it’s on public property or a privately owned building that services a public property, it is also vandalism. That said. It’s art…just illegal art. 😀
So beautiful… Of course it is an art!!!
Beauty is a fine, wonderful way to define what constitutes art, allison1312. Thank you so much for taking the time to read — and especially for commenting.
you’re welcome 🙂 can I post one of those picture on my blog?
Absolutely, please feel free to repost! All I ask is that you give credit and link back to the original post. But thank you … I’d be honored!
thank U…
Street Art has always fascinated me. The most awe inspiring part for me is the scale at which the artists produce these pieces. A few months ago, I’d come across a similar blog post showcasing the street art from Zaragoza. The page is neatly bookmarked in my browser and so will be this one. Here’s the link to that post:
http://sakurasnow.wordpress.com/2011/06/12/zaragoza-grafica/
thank you for posting this, next time someone says street art is not art I’ll point them in your direction … I feel the need to visit Paris again now 🙂
hehehe! I dont think I’ve ever seen so much street art put together in one place in a blog.
It’s beautiful, and you’ve done a great job of putting it together 🙂
I bow to your authority 😉
No need to bow … just enjoy. 🙂 After all, my only contribution was to show up and snap a few pictures. *Grin.*
😉
Tremendous! Absolutely mind boggling! YES it is art. As we say hear in Georgia, USA ….if that ain’t art, well then….grits ain’t groceries. eggs ain’t poultry and Mona Lisa was a man….
I love street art, I am definitely a fan of this form of expression and creativity. Thanks for sharing all these pictures!
Street are is one of my favorite art forms. It’s always there, like a gallery I never have to seek out.
Reblogged this on miyavicake and commented:
Good read.
No problem! Keep it up! 🙂
Why specialise in ‘street’? Is art art? Only if the ‘right’ person says it is! Monet in his blue period has been identified as a victim of glaucoma but lauded by the ‘experts’. Van Gogh painted what he perceived, sunflowers, a classic example of what he was actually seeing at the time, however multiple millions are being spent on the products of his dementia. Street art is almost instantaneous by necessity and perhaps by that nature more acceptable as art than what we see in the Sistine Chapel given the time allowed. Loved the post by the way, congratulations on being ‘Fresh pressed’!
Ned
loved this article, wish I was in paris to experience…thanks for sharing!
It definitely is art at one of its most beautiful forms! Loved it. Your photos are amazing, so is your post. Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed!
Great photos. Thank you. I like that so many of these are funny or whimsical. It’s refreshing.
Another view of “street art”. Chalk artists get some forbearance in that they are definitely temporary. http://pinterest.com/dteachr/very-cool-street-art-thats-right-art/ My favorite is David Zinn’s Sluggo http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/david-zinn-sweet-whimsical-chalk-art
Ooooh, LucyJartz! David Zinn’s Sluggo is my new favorite, too — especially the admonition to “occupy your imagination.” I’m glad he (or someone else?) thought to photograph these little masterpieces. Thank you so much for those wonderful links.
There is a link to David Zinn’s page at the bottom of the photo post page I linked. If I lived in that town, I would be a spotter-snapshotter for certain.
Awesome photos, thanks for sharing. I definitely have an appreciation for this type of art. Also I’ve never been to Paris, and this was a really cool way to “see” it!
Street art have always been something precious to me. Walking around in town, feeling sad and alone like no one else is out there. And suddenly discover a piece of art, right there on a ice cold block of stone. It’s priceless and in many ways the highlight on my journy home from work or school.
I’m not a fan of graffiti in general, but some of these are awesome.
Some graffiti is useful: http://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/swastikas-to-windmills/
Not a single piece here that isn’t fantastic. Wow.
Wow. These are pretty cool. I’ve often been impressed by the artistry of some graffiti I’ve passed by. But those signs where people have added to them? Hilarious! Great post.
I agree! It is brilliant, and can interest to one’s day!
Reading your post was my pleasure. 🙂
I have a great appreciation for street art as an amateur artist myself. The majority of the time I find myself thinking “How in the world did they do that?!” Great post.
I heard that in the catacombs under Paris, there are spaces where artists have created wonderful graffiti paintings. It’s supposed to be amazing.
Thanks for giving me something to read, and thanks for the link.
You know, I think that’s the show where I first saw the catacombs. Thanks for telling me, I totally forgot about it.
This is fantastic! I love how you told the story through these great photos. I know about Banksy but had never heard of some of these other artists. Thanks!
These photos are a welcome glimpse of these artists. I find street art much more interesting than art in a museum. Art is so much more living and breathing in a natural setting than a gold-framed master trapped in a museum. Congrats on Fresh Press.
Thanks for your very kind note, Mad Queen Linda! I very much like your point about art that is “living and breathing in a natural setting.” Hadn’t thought of street art that way …
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting!
Street Art is always a form of art to me, the most “WOW” moments I’ve gotten from walking on a normal dull and grey street and then got surprised by a beautiful and colourful piece on the wall..sometimes on the ground 🙂
Simply amazing. Massive fan.
There were quite a few of the works I’d not seen before so that was really interesting. The Tin Tin images really made me smile as the last time I was in Paris there was a rail strike also. But the Banksy pieces just really appeal to my sense of humour. Great post and very much enjoyed it.
Wow, I wish I had half the talent
Very interesting story. There is art in so many places, if we just look at it that way.
My pleasure!
Fantastic post and brilliant pictures. Its definitely art an I like it. The way the artist adapts to the conditions and canvas to produce creative, thought provoking, humorous work is very impressive.
Nice post and congratiulations on being freshly pressed!
I’m also of the opinion that most of the claimed street art is actually art. It’s a new form of expression and the most charming thing about this for me is that it is always there where you don’t expect it! 🙂
They WERE pieces of art until they got “chained up” in a gallery and “validated” by the establishment! Surely the whole point of street art is that its OUTSIDE the galleries, scrawled across the cityscape, making a stand for the little man?
As soon as I read this article I started thinking about Recuperation and the Situationist International:
“Recuperation, in the sociological sense, is the process by which politically radical ideas and images are twisted, co-opted, absorbed, defused, incorporated, annexed and commodified within media culture and bourgeois society, and thus become interpreted through a neutralized, innocuous or more socially conventional perspective.[1][2][3] More broadly, it may refer to the cultural appropriation of any subversive works or ideas by mainstream culture. It is the opposite of détournement, in which images and other cultural artifacts are appropriated from mainstream sources and repurposed with radical intentions.
The concept in political philosophy of recuperation was first proposed by members of the Situationist International. The term conveys a negative connotation (so that an individual who recuperates may also be described as “selling out”) because recuperation generally bears the intentional consequence (whether perceived or not) of fundamentally altering the meanings behind radical ideas due to their appropriation or being co-opted into the dominant discourse.”
Great post mate. Lot of food for thought…
And the Tintin image is pure class!
Love the art and love the pictures!!
are they all done by you?
Lovely collection! While defacing property isn’t awesome, this art is beautiful and fills some otherwise drab nooks and crannies with life. A few made me smile too and how can that be bad?? Thanks for sharing.
I’m going to Paris this year and I really hope I can see some of this wonderful street art.
Reblogged this on .rrita.
Much love, amazing piece 🙂
Nice.
There’s lots of good street are here in Barcelona as well.
I loved these pieces. My favorites were the “Do Not Enter” sings.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed them — I thought they were quite funny and brilliant too.
Really appreciate you posting this.
Thank you, dweinberg415. And I really appreciate your reading it — and especially that you would take the time to comment! 🙂
Reblogged this on iampamharris68 and commented:
What are your thoughts?
Thanks for reblogging this, iampamharris68. If you care to share, I’ll be eager to hear your readers’ thoughts on this. Cheers!
I absolutely love street art and that is definitely some of the best
Thank you, K FrostFlower! I’m very happy to saw some work you liked here. Thanks for reading!
Reblogged this on tashabonet.
Thank you, Natasha! Reblogs are greatly appreciated. 🙂
Street art, graffiti it is all one of my favorite art types. It’s so wild and free. I like how it captures thoughts in the mind and gives others a chance to see something cool.
I like the idea of freedom too, jessicaruth93 — especially when it comes to freedom of expression. It’s a privilege a lot of people still don’t have. Thank you for your comment!
Love, love, LOVE the street art! Some of the gallery work reminds me of Brandon Boyd’s paintings, too. Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
I wasn’t familiar with Brandon Boyd, Elli — but thanks to you I’m his newest fan. Thank you for making my world a bit bigger! 🙂
Yay! 🙂 I thought you would enjoy him!
Banksy is my absolute fave!
Merveilleux!!!
Art is one thing, but when someone takes private property and uses it without permission to create their so called art, it then becomes vandalism. When the person who made the decision to paint onto someones private property gets caught, and then gets their ass beaten and bloodied, at that point the artist becomes the art. That’s the kind of art that I can appreciate.
You would rather see a *person* vandalized than a wall, Mr. Roycroft? And you would consider the beaten and broken body of another human being art?! Although I don’t condone the defacement of anyone’s private property, I think there’s already enough brutality in the world. Sometimes, the best response isn’t violence … it’s a fresh coat of paint. Thanks for commenting, even if I respectfully disagree with your views.
Maybe if people would stop being so passive and handing out excuses for why people do bad things there might not be so much violence. Some of us work very hard to achieve and get a bit tired of having those things stolen or defaced. A fresh coat of paint just prepares the canvas for the next time that punk decides to trash my property. I choose to punish the bad guy not encourage him to repeat his criminal act.
Of course it’s art. You don’t need to like, understand or even agree with art for it to be what it is. Art is expression.
If Tilda Swinton sleeping a box is art there should never be any question that street art is. Thanks for sharing all of these amazing examples.
Street art – I love so many of the pictures. Banksy of course, but also the humorous street signs. Thank you for the wonderful collection!
And thank *you* for taking the time to read and comment, Spatz! It’s very nice to know that someone out there appreciates this stuff as much as I do. Cheers!
cant imagine like these street artist,they have a soul of an angel!!would inspire more new artisit!!!just love it from bottom of my heart
You’re very right about the inspiration factor, kunnalpawwar: It’s always inspirational to see what others are doing — especially when it’s out there for everyone to see. Thank you for your comment!
Awesome blog, thats radicallytastically fantastic 🙂 i love street art, to me, street art is in a way contributing to the local community and can simply turn a dull, various shades of grey into an interesting and engaging street looking very illustrious.
Thanks so much for commenting, jonnydude123. I’d rather look at a beautiful mural than a gray wall any day, too. 😀
Reblogged this on Juliacastorp's Blog.
A few years ago, we had a major street art exhibit come to Los Angeles. It was fantastic and even included a section made to look like a city street that you walk through. It was extremely creative and opened my eyes to the various types of street art. I know am more aware when walking around town! Thanks for sharing so many great pictures.
How creative, to make a “set” of city street for the exhibit visitors to walk through! But then, Los Angeles is no stranger to such sets, is it? 🙂 I’m very glad it created a new awareness — and appreciation of — street art, though. For better or worse, it’s part of our urban landscape … so we might as well appreciate it. Anyway, thanks so much for reading, and especially for taking the time to comment.
Those do-not-enter signs are hilarious!
And as for street art, I think those graffiti scribbled gang members paint are stupid, but some, like the ones you posted, are rather quite nice.
I agree with you, Lidiya! And in hindsight I wish I’d made more a distinction between “tagging” — the mindless scribbling of initials or gang insignia — and street art, which for the most part seeks to either make a statement of add something of beauty. And I’m glad you got a kick out of the “do not enter” signs. They certainly added a fun element to my strolls in Paris. 🙂 In any case, thanks so much for reading and commenting!
Reblogged this on H.R.M. Stoker and commented:
I love seeing the hidden gems of street art
Thank you for your kind comment … and especially for reblogging this post! Cheers!
Np!
Absolutely beautiful! Art Art Art. Love this!!! Many thanks.
And many thanks to *you* for stopping by Una Mirada B! (¿Acaso, habla Usted Español? Si la respuesta es affirmativa — y si quiere practicar un poco su escritura — por favor mándeme una notita. ¡Temo que estoy perdiendo mi lengua materna por falta de usarla! Muchos saludos …)
Siii!!!! Pienso un tanto en Holandés pero hablo, escribo y dibujo en español. 🙂 Jajaja, usted tambien? Le invito a mi blog -en español- entonces: http://www.miradab.wordpress.com
Un abrazo desde España
Digo ‘holandés’, con letras pequeñas…
Gracias por contestarme mi notita. Acabo de visitar su blog. ¡Qué bonito escribe y dibuja Usted! Me he abonado a su blog para no perderme ninguna de sus entradas (y además para practicar un poco mi español … holandés … los que sea). 😀 ¡Un abrazo desde Minnesota!
Fantástico, me hace mucha ilusión! Entonces nos ‘seguimos siguiendo’. Chaoito y un buen día. Gracias por mirar lo que ‘intento’. 😉
definitely street art
Reblogged this on Anete's blog and commented:
love this blog. art .
Thank you! And I love that you reblogged it. Thank you, thank you!!
ou, it’s nothing. 😉 i love street art. 😉
Those pics are absolutely amaizing!
I think is really hard to make that kind of art because not everybody likes them, but we should apreciate more what that artists can do!
Thank you! And thank you for framing the question from the perspective of artistic talent and technique: When seen from that vantage point, you have to at least admire the artists’ imagination and skill.
Great post!
I agree with you that this is art – controversial as it might seem for some. I brought up this subject this week on my blog after driving through town and being confronted with a graffiti building at the traffic light. Here’s my link in case you want to see the image: http://wp.me/p3galV-mJ
Hello, nosteptooloose! You captured a couple of wonderful images — it especially made me smile to see that whimsical giant yellow cat! I’ve only seen him in Paris so far, and in New York. As you say, street art may be a controversial topic, but it is certainly ART. Thanks for writing!
🙂
This street art is beautiful and very cool. Thanks for bringing this to your readers.
And thank YOU very much for reading, bikerchick57! 🙂
I don’t like it. There is a lot of really hostile crap out there. I understand the urge to do it. and some of it is cool. There has been graffiti for thousands of years.
http://www.pompeiana.org/resources/ancient/graffiti%20from%20pompeii.htm
But I live in a bad part of town and having people with spray cans scribbling every where is not as “cool” as it seems. If you are nieve and live in a nice part of town you can still find it charming. Until someone paints a vagina on your garage door.
You’re so right, ADMIN_1992: People have been painting on walls since before the dawn of history, which is why some anthropologists think it may be one of the innate traits that distinguishes humans. I’m very sorry to read about your garage door. But rest assured that I’m not living in some fancy suburb — my garage door has not only been spray-painted, but also STABBED! (https://hmunro.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/safety-a-matter-of-perspective/) As you point out, there’s a lot of hostile crap out there, and I find it as demoralizing and infuriating as the next person. But I try not to let that hostile crap blind me to the cool things that are out there, too. Anyway, I very much appreciate your perspective. Thank you so much for taking the time to read, and for your thoughtful comment.
Thank you for your understanding reply…
Beautiful works in this post.
So glad you appreciated the art, Do I Have My Keys. (Love your handle, by the way. Now I’ll probably be reminded of you, oh, about 20 times a day when I wonder, “Do I have my keys?” Grin.)
Haha!
Now I’ll do the same. That’s wonderful. Thanks!
Great blog post. It’s the venue and spontaneity that sometimes may jar with people when the artwork is splashed in an unexpected corner of the city.But as long as they don’t deface someone else’s property.
“As long as they don’t deface someone else’s property” seems to be an emerging theme,” Jean! Thank you for reading — and for your kind comment. Cheers!
who-so-ever said street art is not art; these are stunning. absolutely gorgeous. thanks for sharing!
Fabulous collection of Street Art Photos! Stunning!
Reblogged this on The Story Store and commented:
A beautiful story of expression
Thank you for reblogging this! 🙂
it was an awesome post and great pictures!
Some street art is amazing. When I was in Quito in 2011 I was blown away by the technical skill of some street art, but more importantly, by the political messages in them.
Thanks for the good read.
How lucky that you got to spend time in Ecuador, Kevin! I saw a lot of street art when I was growing up in Mexico, too, and especially in Peru. As you so insightfully point out, it’s an important way to communicate political messages. Anyway, thanks so much for reading, and especially for taking the time to comment. ¡Hasta pronto!
Fab examples. Street art is my favourite art, and London is chock full of it. Have you ever walked down Brick Lane? There’s art everywhere you look! walk from there to Liverpool Street station and in about 20 mins of time it took to get there, there’s unique are everywhere! Love it!
Yes, Harlequin Tea Set — I’ve been fortunate enough to see some wonderful street art in London! Though I haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting Brick Lane. It’s officially added to my list for next time, however. Thank you for the suggestion, and thanks for reading!
This is a great post, thank you for sharing this with everyone! I love street art, it’s definitely art!
Thanks for your kind words, Megan! Much appreciated.
Love it. It’s ART and it’s fabulous.
Thank you for reading, hitandrun1964. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks to your post I have the chance to admire this side of art that intrigues me, also because it is temporary, and sort of cryptic. Needs a sort of initiation to notice it in the streets, as you write, or to distinguish the art from the gibberish. Also interesting to see S.A. from the shadows into central galleries!
You’ve hit on one of the things that most intrigues me about street art, too, urbantraveltales: It’s temporary! I’ve been disappointed on occasion to see that a favorite piece has vanished, but as the brilliant George Harrison wrote, “All things must pass.” Thanks for commenting!
Great post. I’m also a fan of street art! some of the images are lovely…
Thank you, kerynrobinson!
This is freakin awesome!!!! Amazing post!!!! Art is alive and thriving out there. Street art is RAW, EXCITING, EDGY, and IMAGINATIVE. It’s everything they tell us not to be. A true artists expresses life in all forms through the eyes of his soul. Music is one of those arts but this is equally as awesome as music!
“It’s everything they tell us not to be.” Couldn’t have said it better myself, MusicisLife. Thank you for your kind, thoughtful comment. I admire your obvious passion for art, music, self-expression and LIFE!!
Great blog on street art! Awesome photos as well. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much for your kind words, segmation! Much appreciated.
I’ve seen Chet Abraham signs in Rome and Florence, too! I love him!
Oooh! Rome and Florence! How marvelous. Did you by chance see any Chet Abraham signs there that weren’t represented in my “collection,” notyourvictim? I’m very curious to know how many signs he’s “designed,” in all.
I thought I’d taken more photos, but I guess not. The digging guy is from Rome, the rest are from Florence
Just in case, it doesn’t look like the links posted, so here’s another try with just direct links:
You read my mind! I was about to write and whine about the missing links. 🙂 Thank you so much for following up. I like that one with the ball and chain, especially. Clever!
What I think I like best about this art, is it’s sincerity; the so-called “Art World” of the dilettantes and collectors has become so corrupted and intellectualized, that atrocities like that crucifix in a jar of urine, and paintings made with elephant dung are passed off as “art”. There is no comparison to what I see in those “street” artists, which is what you find in any great art–the soul of the artist. I once saw a painting done by Hitler. Technically, it was well-done, but emotionally, it chilled me to the bone. There wasn’t a sign of life in it, not a person, a cat or even a beam of sunlight. It was cold as death.
You’ve described beautifully what I find most compelling about street art, truth60: Most of it is created just for the simple pleasure of making something — or because the artist feels compelled to say something that’s important to them. It’s usually honest and creative, and it makes me see the world in a new way. For me, that is the very essence of art. Anyway, thanks so much for your comment!
Wow. Thank you.
Oh, I just watched Exit through the Gift Shop a few months ago and been a fan of Banksy since then. Very intelligent, he is.
Couldn’t agree with you more, annpeace! That’s how I “discovered” Banksy, too. That film gave me a whole new appreciation for his intelligence and talent. Thanks for stopping by!
These are fantastic! How fun it to see all that talent 🙂
I’m very glad to read that you appreciate the artists’ talent, schoonerblues. I was pretty blown away by their skill and imagination, myself.
TY for sharing them. I find the work so inspiring. There sure is a lot of talented ppl walking about, love it 🙂 Olive
Reblogged this on nealstotts.
Thank you, Dragonflyboy!
This is fantastic, thank you so much for sharing. I agree with you, I also enjoy street art and have always been fascinated by it. Your selection was so varied and thrilling to look through, I want to save this and share this now.
Thank you so much, riseofdawn. But would you believe that I actually *culled* the photos for this post? Now you have me wondering whether I should do a follow-up post. Hmmm. In any case, thank you so much for reading, and especially for your very kind comment and reblog. Cheers!
Reblogged this on and commented:
Everybody needs to see this!
Thanks for sharing – they’re beautiful!
And thank YOU for stopping by! 🙂
Awesome!!
Jenness
http://jennessjohnston78.wordpress.com/
Thank you!
Reblogged this on M2wa2 DigiTech..
Street Art is the very purist form of Art…
Many anthropologists would agree with you, Helen! If you consider the fact that we’ve been scrawling on cave walls since before the dawn of history, it really *is* one of the purest and oldest forms of human self-expression.
Absolutely my point 😀
I will really open my eyes next time I am in Paris because, it seems I have missed so many pieces of art. Because I do agree, this is definitely art. 🙂
A neurologist friend once told me that we all have “filters” in our minds that dictate what we do and don’t notice booknutcase. I’ll be eager to hear how your experience of Paris is different once your “street art” filter has been removed. 😀
If the pictures you blogged were kind of what I found in the streets around me, yes, I would gladly consider them as arts but what I found here mostly just some foul writings with harsh-and-mean meaning.
anyway, thank you for bringing good pictures here. I really want to see them with my own eyes.
Many others have shared your sentiment, anwar — and in fact, I’ve noticed the same in my own city. Like you, I used to have a pretty grim view of street art because most of what I saw was just plain destructive and stupid. But seeing this exhibit in Paris helped me appreciate that some of these people are actually artists. In any case, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!
Nice post! The street signs are cool and hilarious!
Thank you, Nicolai. The next time I go to Paris and they ask me the purpose of my visit, I will say, “I’m here for the hilarious street signs.” 😀
I am a great fan of street art! I think that artists who do street art pieces have a different kind of freedom with the kinds of backdrops or landscapes they use. I love the street signs – ingenious and you’re right, street art kind of meshes itself in the background until you notice it and then you start seeing it everywhere. The best ones are sometimes they ones you find in places most unexpected 🙂 Great post – thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you’ve had the same experience, inidna, of “discovering” street art and suddenly seeing it everywhere. A neurologist friend once told me that we all have “filters” in our minds that dictate what we do and don’t notice. For my part, I’m glad my “street art” filter has been removed. 😀 Thank you for reading!
Huge fan of street art! And love those ‘adapted’ signs. Would quite like them – in fact, all of them – as a post card set to use as ‘thank you’ cards.
Refuse to believe that ‘thank you’ cards are passée.
What a brilliant idea, mrscarlielee! I wonder if the artist would give permission to use his work that way? Hmmmm. You’ve got my wheels turning! 🙂 And I agree with you wholeheartedly that ‘thank you’ cards are passée. Good manners and gratitude never go out of style. (To wit: Thank you so much for reading, and especially for taking the time to comment!)
WOW, absolutely look at street art in a different way now. this is talent. greaaaat blog
You were the first person to give me a rating of greaaaat, EssWhyDee. 🙂 Thank you, thank you!
HAHAH! indeed it is greeeeaaaaaat! no probs! great work, liking all the posts! even the April Fools one! got me right till the end!
You have communicated your thoughts very well in regards to “street art”, keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!!
Thank you very much, Kathleen! I appreciate your encouragement and kind words.
I love street art for many reasons. One of which is the artist burning need to create no matter the possible consequences if caught.
Great comment, K.Jacqleene! I also like the idea of being compelled to create something, no matter the cost. That’s what could truly be called the creative spirit, don’t you think? Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi, A very interesting article and a something that I have pondered everytime I see street art.
I know art is all about interpretation and what one person views as art others view as graffiti.
From a sociolgical point of view street art/graffiti can give people insights into social issues and politics. ‘Tagging’ is not street art. Putting stickers on walls and lamposts is not street art. It simply helps drive down property prices and make’s buildings, trains look undesirable.
The road sign art/graffiti, even though funny, I would consider unacceptable because it distracts from the main purpose of the sign which is to give instructions to drivers etc.
I guess I’m just a little old fashioned in the sense that street art should look beautiful, as in the Tin Tin one. It it looks like a delinquent has just spray painted a stencil on a wall then i don’t consider it art.
I enjoyed your article very much 🙂
First things first, lawrenceofcanadia: I love, love, LOVE your online name! That is brilliant, on so many levels. 😀 Second, thanks for your wonderful comment. As you so aptly state, art is all about interpretation. But I’m glad that you look past your personal views on what may or may not constitute art, and that you consider the sociological aspect of it — because, in its best and purest form, street art really is a reflection of our time. In any case, thank you for your excellent and thought-provoking comment.
It absolutely is art in my opinion and your post and images only confirm that for me at least. Have a look at a cool piece of art near my neighborhood in Vancouver. Let me know what you think? http://mzzoomer.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/415/. Thanks for putting so much time and effort into this very intersting post.
I think that bit of art near your neighborhood is very cool indeed, Mz. Zoomer! Looks like you took that photo last summer. Is the same work still there, I wonder? One of my favorite things about street art is that it’s usually temporary. I’d be curious to know if that’s the case with your mural as well. In any case, thank you very much for your kind comment. Cheers!
It was there a few weeks ago but I will go by it again soon to check it out 🙂
The narrative is brilliant as the pics! thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much, Ajay, for such a wonderful compliment. Much appreciated!
Such a great post, thank you for sharing! I love street art too, and I’ve actually just written a post on it in Penang, Malaysia! I was there last week and loved strolling down its street surrounded by such nice works… Have a look if you like and let me know what you think 😉 http://caroldoestheworld.com/2013/04/08/exploring-george-towns-street-art-penang/
I’ll tell you what I think, Carol: Brilliant! That’s what I think. Your blog is a wonderful rabbits-hole of beautiful images and wonderful musings. I very much look forward to tagging along on your travels! In the meantime, thanks for stopping by — and especially for taking the time to comment. Cheers, and safe journeys!
These are really great art peices..Loved visiting your blog…:)
Thank you very much for stopping by, and I appreciate your kind comment.
Well….I am always where there are good things to look at…:)
I should very much like to follow you around, then! 🙂
lol….. Ofcourse…!!! 🙂
that’s a really cool post!
from the cities i have been too and know quite well, ATHENS is a place filled with fantastic examples of street art. i actually only started looking at it as art after i got acquainted with the visual wealth on the walls of the greek capital.
Athens is on my list for all sorts of reasons, hoopoeinanoak, but you’ve just added a very compelling one for me! Thanks for the suggestion!
oh, you’re welcome! what a nice coincidence. athens is great. it grows on you. hope you will get there soon!
Thanks for sharing these pics. These are awesome. Even now I will try some and surely publish if I will make it even good looking.
Thanks for stopping by, aaswebsolutions. So glad you liked the photos!
enjoyed looking through the images in this post, and also your views on street art. great post!
Thank you very much, youthseries! I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment!
Really nice.
Thank you! (Love your avatar, BTW. 🙂
These pictures are art for sure! They’re beautiful 🙂
You’re very kind, jadeflynn. Thank you!
Reblogged this on Anything and Everything.
Thank you!
Great post on Parisien street art! If you haven’t heard of Le 9eme Concept, you should check them out: http://www.9eme.net/
Merci beaucoup pour le lien ! What a beautiful site — truly a feast for the eyes! Et j’adore la page titulée “QUOI DE 9 ?” Very clever! Thank you!
Reblogged this on When I Grow Up… and commented:
As you know I have a liking for street art and that really started from a holiday in Paris.
Here’s a fabulous post with an exhibition and lots more from the streets themselves!
Thank you so much for the reblog, mswalsh! I’m glad to hear that someone else first “discovered” street art in Paris, too. It’s one of the reasons I love visiting that city — it always opens my eyes to something new.
Great Art work!
Couldn’t agree more! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
To me street art underscores one of the truths of art as an abstract concept. It’s something designed to evoke an emotion in the observer or recipient (in this case likely including ‘don’t you graffiti my wall’) – often abstract, yet often also intentionally directed. The impressionists put a lot of time into trying to evoke specific moods in those who looked at their paintings. It’s true of other art too; Debussy tried to get listeners to his music to think of specific colours. In my own field, it is certainlly true of writing. Paris, inevitably, seems to be one of the places where it all comes together and swirls around – as you’ve captured. A very cool post, cool photos – and thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Matthew. You’re so right — dare I say Wright? 🙂 — about the way things seem to come together in Paris and swirl around. That’s certainly been my experience, both as an observer and as a creative person. I especially loved your description of art as “something designed to evoke an emotion,” and the parallels you drew to the impressionists and Debussy’s music. I hadn’t thought of street art as a movement before, but now you have me wondering whether one day art students will be learning about “the street art period.” In any case, thank you so much for stopping by.
Street Art is Art of course, I love street art, I wonder if the street artists who are perhaps painting our walls illegally work better under the pressure of maybe getting caught? Something I have often wondered!
Interesting question you raise, choppy123! If I ever get to meet one of these guys, I’ll ask. Thank you for a thought-provoking comment!
And let me know if you find the answer 🙂
I really enjoyed reading this post and the photos you have featured are amazing! 🙂
Ever since I was introduced to Banksy, I had a new found respect for street art .. .Although there is always the fine line between vandalism & art (as pointed out by alexanderschimpf).
I recently went to Melbourne where there is a ‘lane’ dedicated to graffiti artists who can freely express their talent & both the locals and tourists admire their works – often see them in action! I’ll be blogging about this soon if you are keen on checking it out.
I love your observation about “the fine line between vandalism and art,” J xox. The ‘lane’ you saw in Melbourne is one solution that many cities (including London and Paris) are adopting, with often-stunning results. I very much look forward to your blog post and seeing what you captured! Thanks for stopping by.
Hey again, J xox … just tried to bookmark your blog so I could keep an eye out for your post, but I got a 404 error on disasterousyetdelightful.wordpress.com. Does you blog by chance have a new URL? Thanks again!
Yes … What makes it stunning is when it’s all contained in one ‘area.’ It’s like an explosion of creativity that’s been let loose!
Oh no … Can you please tell me if my blog is still having issues? 😦
Wow…such a great post!
I have a Flickr page with some Street Art I saw. You can see it here–> http://www.flickr.com/photos/hipsterapproved/sets/72157629138032103/
*Great* Flickr set, HipsterApproved! I think that first frame with the rat may be Banksy’s, but it’s hard to tell now that people are copying his well-known stencils. My favorite was the American Gothic homage, though. It’s a perfect example that even derivative art can be really cool and really imaginative. Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by, and for the cool link!
Street art most certainly is art.
Some beautiful/interesting/fun pieces there.
And don’t you love that some of the pieces are beautiful and interesting and fun, all at the same time, Michael? Thank you for stopping by!
Touché! Very true.
Absolutely street art is art. I would vouch to say that it is the best kind of art. Usually it comes unexpected and when I finally notice it it holds my attention for quite some time. Street art requires and incredible amount of creativity and skill. If I had any artistic ability I would focus the majority of my time on street art. Street art can give a street and/or a community its identity.
You’ve brought up a very interesting point, jakeising! I hadn’t considered the fact that street art can give a street (or even a community) its identity. Very insightful … and good fodder for a follow-up post. Thank you, thank you!
Of course that art street is an art… I love it very much and I want to know how to draw so. I apreciate this art. 🙂
How wonderful that you find street art so inspiring, Alisa! I suspect the artists would be very glad to know that their work touched you so much. Thank you very much for stopping by.
To anyone who says street art isn’t actually art, I show them all of Banksy’s creations. There’s no denying that man is a genius!
“Genius” is right, nicolasochart! His work is so varied and diverse, but at the core of it all you always find a tremendous imagination. I greatly admire him for that.
Street art is probably my favorite kind of art. This compilation is great! Thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you liked the compilation. And there’s a lot more where that came from, so stay tuned for deets on how to find the complete gallery! In the meantime, thank you for stopping by.
I am fascinated by street art and its origins! I wrote about it also after watching the documentary by and about Banksy. Here’s the link to my post, if you’re interested! http://penpaperstorm.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/the-aboveground-work-of-an-underground-world/
Great post, penpaperstorm! I loved “Exit Through the Gift Shop” because it was an insightful look into the world of street art — but also because of the fun twist at the end, with the hastily staged exhibit. In fact, it was that film that made me start to consider what constitutes art, and what is just commercial exploitation. Banksy may have made a name for himself, but I think he’s still very much an artist because he’s constantly pushing his own creativity. Mr. Brainwash? Ummmm … the verdict is out. Anyway, thank you for stopping by and for sharing your link. Cheers!
Haha yes I’m not sure M.B. qualifies either…thanks!
great post. I’ve gained a lot of inspiration from street art both as an advertising creative and as a visual artist…
You’re so right that street art is a great source of inspiration, viciousblog. And I love the “moveable feast” aspect of it, too, because it’s always evolving and changing. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Yes, yes and this is ART. Thanks to share all this pics with us.
awesome works…. definitely an art in its own right
Reblogged this on Overexcitable and commented:
Is it, or isn’t it, related to giftedness? It certainly has a lot to do with thinking outside the box, experiencing the world intensely and being aware. Enjoy!
Great discovery you have made- But I have a question for you….
This gallery has ultimately taken the art out of it’s original context, and it is only THEN when you see it in gallery walls that you believe YES, it is art. Is it the visual imagery you see as art, or is it the fact that they are now on a higher notch of the “good art scale”, since its placed in a gallery, that you now attribute it to real art? Also the artists here are very well known, commercialized street artists. What about graffiti? What about tagging on street walls and under bridges… is that art? Think about the TRUE nature of “street art”, and I think you may have a few more questions to answer other than just simply “is it art”. This is just the tip of the iceberg!
What a great question you’ve raised, eclinning! Thank you for challenging me (and the rest of our fellow readers) to look beyond the images in my post and consider other types of street art as well. Actually, I’ve given your question a lot of thought over the past two years, as a handful of graffiti artists have become very active in my neighborhood. What’s been interesting is how similar their techniques are — they all use spray paint and draw simple lines — but how different my reaction is to various artists’ work. Some of it I dismiss as mindless tagging, but some of it I find beautiful or otherwise compelling. And what lies at the heart of it seems to be, “Does it invoke an emotional reaction?” One of the things I re-learned through this post is that everyone has a different threshold (or criteria) for what constitutes art. In hindsight, I guess the reason I liked the exhibit so much is precisely because it took the work out of its original context and exposed it to an audience that previously may not have noticed it, or perhaps not appreciated it. For my part, I’d still rather “discover” street art on the street — which is precisely why I included a few snapshots at the end of the post to show “real” street art in context. In any case, thanks again for your very thought-provoking questions. Cheers!
LOVED reading your response and so happy to hear about how much thought you have put into it! Really appreciate your insight, thanks! 🙂
Absolutely, eclinning! Comments like yours are what make blogging worthwhile. It’s so much fun to hear others’ opinions and to discover new perspectives. Thanks again for asking such great, challenging questions — and especially for taking the time to comment. 😀
Great article. Really enjoyed, thank you.
So glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping by!
In total agreement – of course it’s art. It’s peoples’ art of the zeitgeist.
I recently saw a brilliant play called ‘A Thousand Years Of History’, about Warhol, Haring and Basquiat, by Harold Finley, in a suitably arty, urban warehouse in grimy Peckham in South London. They were Street Art’s precursors and are still its pin-up boys.
Please check my multimedia autoBLOGography here: http://thomtopham.wordpress.com/about
So you’re a singer/songwriter, musician, producer, poet, photographer, painter, wannabe interior-designer and, of course, a writer? Don’t you think you should find some outside interests, Thom? 😀 Seriously, though … thanks for the link. And thanks for the info on “Thousand Years of History” as well! I don’t get to London too often these days, but perhaps I’ll manage to find it onstage on this side of the pond. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!
Indeed. 🙂 You’re welcome – I got that title wrong: it’s One Thousand MILES Of History. I think it could easily be a big off-Broadway hit and I believe there are plans afoot. Chapter 10 of ‘My Unplanned Obsolescence (along with a brand new song called ‘You’ve Been Framed’)’is coming very soon.
Same link: http://thomtopham.wordpress.com/about
Reblogged this on SOMEDAY… and commented:
A picture’s worth a thousand words. Every piece of art tells a story. Every single one of them is unique in its own way.
Thanks so much for reblogging this, sarahoysq! 🙂
No prob! 🙂 It’s a good post!
Thanks for an interesting article! I’ve never really had clear feelings on the issue, but I’m living in Sao Paulo right now, where it is everywhere. There is everything from straight-up graffiti, which some people here call art, to incredibly impressive portraits on buildings. There isn’t any advertising in the city, so street art of all kinds contributes pretty significantly to the feel.
And thank YOU for that marvelous link! What an incredible work — and what a fitting tribute to someone who has devoted his life to architecture. Thank you for your comment!
YES …….unquestionably. I love street art – often so inventive and creative. You’ve uploaded some great examples Following. Best wishes. V.
Thanks for your verdict, Victor, and for your kind words. Cheers!
fantastic pictures – I especially love the street signs. I adore street art and would love to live in a city that acted as one big canvas! Went to Barcelona recently and it felt just like that http://creativise.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/barcelona-through-street-art-eyes/ BUT I do find it bizarre when street art is taken out of the context in which is was made…. the banksy from Turnpike Lane, london is a very good example of this http://creativise.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/banksy-goes-awol/ . Great post!
Thank you so much for your comment, Hannah — and for your wonderful links! Marvelous blog you’ve got yourself, there. 🙂 I’d heard about the Case of the Disappearing Banksy, but you’re the first person I’ve “met” who had first-hand knowledge, so it’s very interesting to read your perspective. I loved your question to the would-be buyer (“would you really want a piece of concrete anti-capitalism mocking your own opulence hanging in your multi-million pound lounge?”). Well spoken!
Reblogged this on McBottom Family Blog.
What a great post! I’ve seen some of these pieces on my travels too. It brightens up my day!
Thank you, Stacey!
Reblogged this on Street Meets Style and commented:
What do you think?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but art is still art whether you find it to be beautiful or a nuisance.
Well said, Old Sarge. Thank you for stopping by!
Well said, Old Sarge! Thank you for stopping by.
Reblogged this on no such thing as normal and commented:
Of course everything casn be art you’ve just got to feel it rather than see it.
Great definition of art, chynawithay. And thank you for the reblog … much appreciated!
thank you. I’m a big fan.
Thanks for putting together this post! Regardless of where it is placed, street art is most definitely art as it does what all good art should do – it prompts discussion, debate and opinion. When artists spent so long in centuries past drawing inspiration from their surroundings to the canvas, it only makes sense that the transition be made that the cities become the canvas. Ill have to keep my eye out for any street art in my city now.
Well, Craig, this post certainly prompted lots of discussion! I’ve greatly enjoyed all the interesting, thought-provoking comments — like yours. Thank you for taking the time to write.
Well, Craig, this post certainly has sparked some discussion and debate! I’ve greatly enjoyed interacting with so many interesting people and hearing so many different points of view. So thank you very much for taking the time to comment — and have fun curating your own “collection” of street art!
Its Realy A Nice Blog ,,,, Great Collection Of Picture ,,, Amazing Stuff ,,,,
http://karlkristianhavik.wordpress.com/
Tak så mycket! 🙂
Love looking for Invader’s mosaic invaders! My cousin first brought it to my attention years ago in Paris. I’ve also found his stuff in other cities around Europe, so it was always a huge surprise when I stumbled across one.
That’s one of my favorite things about “discovering” a particular street artist’s work, Amelie88: Even the most boring, ordinary walk can become like a treasure hunt. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Reblogged this on Diamond Interiors and commented:
I love street art! This is a great read!
Thank you for sharing; I absolutely love street art and this was a great read. I’ve reblogged it too! Thank you!
Thank you very much for your kind words, Dimitra — and especially for reblogging. Much appreciated!
Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
Thank you so much for the reblog! 🙂
Reblogged this on virginiarush56 and commented:
Interesting.
Thank you for reblogging!
Great post!
I personally love street art, it makes a simple walk through the city so much more exciting. Some call it ‘vandalism’, but I think it’s culture.
You’re so right, that a bit of street art makes even a mundane stroll to the store more interesting. Glad you liked the post, and thanks for your kind comment!
Wow! this is a great post! we LOVE art too 🙂
Thank you, fellow art lover! 😀 I appreciate your kind comment.
Reblogged this on Live, Laugh, Love.
Great post. Thanks for the pictures and the tour through Paris.
You’re very welcome, dyefeltsool … my pleasure! If you’d like to see more of Paris, here’s the mother of all my guided tours. 🙂 https://hmunro.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/paris-a-virtual-guided-photo-tour/ Thanks for stopping by!
There is no denying that Street Art is Art. Each piece tells a story and I can’t wait for the next chapter. Thank you for sharing this post – great pictures!
Ah, just wait, Julie … I’m working on something pretty cool for you, if I say so myself! Thanks so much for stopping by, and especially for your very kind comment.
I love this kind of stuff. There’s so much creativity and cleverness out there sometimes it actually gives me hope for our species.
But to answer the question, “Is street art *art?*”
I’d have to say it might not be, but as soon as it gets a good agent, it will be.
Haa ha, zheng3! And let me guess … are you someone who perhaps specializes in representing street art? 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
That’s not a bad idea… maybe I should consider a career change.
The trick with street art is catching the artist in the act so that you can give them a business card.
Great work, yes street art is art….:)
Thank you for your verdict, naveen, and for your kind words!
I too am a great fan of Street Art and have posted several times with ‘finds’ that I have discovered in London and Chamonix. Is Street Art, Art? Most definitely, highly skilled, and sadly so often does not get the recognition that it is due. An excellent post with some fascinating work. I came across this by chance browsing Freshly Pressed – something I don’t often do.
You have some pretty great street art on your blog as well, LensScaper — and some great street photography, too! Thanks for stopping by, and especially for your kind words.
Reblogged this on madscientizm.
Thanks very much for the reblog!
Thanks for sharing, very beautiful artwork. I certainly agree that street art is an expression of the society’s psyche.
I’m glad you appreciated the art, gnovember. As you say, it’s beautiful — and if it’s indeed a reflection of our society, that gives me hope. Thank you for stopping by!
For my part yes… It’s booming here in Cape Town, especially on Woodstock and some of them are pretty amazing!
How interesting to know that street art truly *is* a global phenomenon. I would love to see some photos of the area you describe, if you’d care to post them. Thank you so much for stopping by!
I will as soon as I can. Already got a few photos but would like to have some more.
I really enjoyed your pictures. Thank you!
It’s one thing to see clever or thought-provoking masterpieces in the “confines” of a gallery, but to see them in the streets somehow restores my faith in humanity.
Really nice. Thanks again. 🙂
Thank you very much for your kind comment, safetyharborwoman, and for your thoughtful perspective. I very much hope that you will see loads and loads of street art so that you will never lose your faith in humanity. Thanks for stopping by!
For an artist everything is art. Art is everywhere. Very nice shots, thanx for sharing.
“For an artist everything is art.” Well spoken, Prometheus!
very cool this post certainly the best brains of graffiti artists
Glad you liked the collection, denswpc. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I enjoyed the pictures!
Thanks for sharing!
http://www.thecameraangle.wordpress.com
And thank YOU for taking the time to comment! Cheers!
That was some mindblowing works of art!! 🙂 Beautiful! I love street art, always feel they reveal things about a place not found in someplace usual!
So glad you appreciated the works I highlighted, krithikamanohar — and I’m especially glad to know that street art helps you experience familiar places in new ways. Thanks for stopping by!
I couldn’t agree with you more!! There is so much skill and talent in street art that gets written off as vandalism. Most days I see things like this and it puts me in such a good mood even though I know a lot of people don’t appreciate how much thought can be put into these pieces. Thank you so much for sharing the pictures – they’re excellent ^^
Thanks very much for your kind words, Elise. I’m very glad you appreciate the artists’ talent and skill — and especially that their work puts you in a good mood. (It has the same effect on me!) Thanks for stopping by, and especially for taking the time to comment.
Reblogged this on artrecent and commented:
streetart belongs to everyone, even the museums …
Great observation, artrecent! And thanks very much for reblogging. 🙂
I think street art is amazing. Growing up in Philadelphia, I got to see a lot of graffiti, mostly negative stuff but I always loved the basic idea of street art.
I’m glad you were able to look past the graffiti and negative stuff, and see the *potential* of street art, Brian. That takes true vision! Thank you for stopping by, and especially for taking the time to comment.
These street art compilation is such a wonder. They look really great!
So glad you liked the collection, Imaginarium of Pau! It’s wonderful to see one or two pieces that catch your eye … but in aggregate they make quite an impression, don’t they? Thanks so much for visiting!
Hahaha! It is art all right, cleverly humorous ones 🙂
The cleverly humorous ones are my favorites, too. 🙂 Thank you for reading!
Reblogged this on smackypro.
Thanks for the reblog, smackypro!
Street art is amazing, colourful, and so expressive. And the fact that it is illegal makes street arts more fun to see because passion and rebellion drives the artists to draw. It baffles me how anyone could possibly hate it.
I think some people hate street art *precisely* because it represents an act of defiance, Red! In fact, I’ve been wondering if street art will become more accepted — and thus, less cool — now that more cities are officially embracing it. Anyway, thank you for stopping by, and for your thoughtful comment.
Ahaha, yeh, you know what they say, it isn’t cool if it isn’t illegal. 😛
And, no problem. 🙂 This was a good post. ^_^
I didn’t read through ALL of the comments, but in case no one mentioned him; my all time favorite street artist goes by the name HOPARE. Check out his work sometime, it’s very cool.
Ohmygosh, princessrexxy … THANK YOU for your introduction to HOPARE’s art. I’d never heard of him before — and I’m absoutely *stunned* by his work. And thanks to you, I also discovered this fantastic website: http://www.streetartnews.net/2014/02/hopare-new-mural-paris-18th-france.html
I’ll make a point of looking for this mural next time I’m in Paris. With any luck it’ll still be there and I’ll be able to report back with some photos for you.
Thanks again!
Yes! He also has a Facebook account if you’re interested in following him.
A picture would be so awesome! I tried to find some of his work via google maps, but I didn’t have much luck.
I’m happy to say I’m now among his followers on Facebook. And I’ll do my best to get a photo or two, too! I won’t be back in Europe til next fall, so it’s anyone’s guess whether any of his current “canvases” will still be up — but with any luck I’ll catch at least one of his new ones. Thanks again for broadening my horizons! And cheers from Minnesota. 🙂