Born in the 1970s on the New York subway, street art came into full force in Europe in the 1980s, although graffiti had already existed in France and Germany (especially in Berlin) since the 1960s. Traditionally, the artistic movement referred to artwork created in the street, which explains why we tend to associate it with the temporary. Today, however, street art is considered more broadly and includes artworks made with all mediums. With support from art galleries, mass popularity on the Internet and social media, as well as growing legitimacy in the art world through auction house sales and museum acquisitions, urban art is now commonly recognised as one of the key art movements of the 21st century. Accepted, if not encouraged and commissioned by cities, street art is found on a growing number of walls which have been transformed into giant murals by street artists using spray paint, paint brushes, and stencils. Whereas in the beginning street art only referred to tags, or signatures, its artistic vocabulary has grown with every new shape and colour, and the artworks have become increasingly complex and technical. The goal of this art is to remind people that it is the artist that creates the art and that neither museums nor galleries can define it. Long considered illegal by the authorities and especially transportation companies, it is now celebrated by the public and young artists, who see it as the ultimate symbol of freedom of expression. This conflict has meant that graffiti artists is often associated with political criticism. However not all street artists go down this road even if some of the biggest names, such as Banksy, certainly do.
Banksy and Blek le Rat are both politically engaged artists, and, armed with their stencils, produce unsettling images. With his anonymity, Banksy has managed to create a persona and a mystery that fascinates the public. Popular artists have become emblematic figures of a vibrant artistic movement. In France, many graffiti artists enjoy an international reputation, for example Ernest Pignon and his trompe-l'œil collages, or, more recently, JR and his imposing photographs pasted on monuments and buildings. Thanks to Jérôme Mesnager, Miss Tic, C215, Invader, Jef Aérosol, French street art is in full expansion. From streets and public spaces to museums, street art has become increasingly democratised, away from the notion of “vandalism" it could be associated with in its beginning. Many street artists now work on canvas, create sculptures or use more 'traditional' mediums while still continuing to use walls. Artsper offers a wide selection of works from some of the major urban artists. You'll find works by Banksy, Shepard Fairey (Obey), Invader, Jef Aérosol, Keith Haring and many more.
