Street Art: Artists, Techniques, and Terminology

Street art often serves as a medium for artists to express their emotions, thoughts, and perspectives on various social and political issues.

New York City is considered the birthplace of modern street art, with artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat emerging in the 1980s and leaving a lasting impact on the art form.

Tagging refers to the act of marking public or private property with simple lines, letters, or symbols, often as a form of personal expression or territorial marking.

Banksy is a renowned street artist known for his thought-provoking and often politically charged stencil art, which often features a faceless man with a bowler hat.

A mural is a large-scale artwork painted on a wall or building, often used to convey a message or depict a scene.

Stickering involves using adhesive tape to create intricate designs on urban surfaces, often featuring images, slogans, or political messages.

Buffing refers to the unauthorized removal of street art from its original location, often by painting over it or using chemicals to erase it.

Ai Weiwei is a renowned street artist and activist known for his large-scale installations and sculptures made from everyday objects, often addressing social and political issues.

Yarn bombing involves knitting or crocheting colorful yarn or fabric into urban objects, such as trees, lampposts, or statues, creating a unique and eye-catching display.

JR is a renowned street artist known for his large-scale photographic installations that often address social and political issues, often involving pasting large-scale portraits of individuals or communities in public spaces.

Stickering involves the unauthorized placement of stickers or decals on public or private property, often featuring images, slogans, or political messages.

Shepard Fairey is a renowned street artist known for his iconic 'Obey Giant' wheatpastes and his association with the Shepard Fairey brand, which produces clothing, accessories, and other merchandise.

Wheatpasting involves the unauthorized placement of posters or flyers on public or private property, often using a mixture of flour and water as an adhesive.

Eduardo Kobra is a renowned street artist known for his large-scale murals depicting realistic portraits of individuals and communities, often addressing social and environmental issues.

Stenciling involves the unauthorized placement of stencils on public or private property, often using spray paint or other mediums to create an image or message.