1. Nevercrew
Nevercrew is a project of two artists from Switzerland. Christian Rebecci and Pablo Togni create compositions that not only captivate with their beauty, but also make you think. The theme of their work is ecology.Pablo and Christian first went to the same school, and then to the Academy of Painting. Before the artists decided to create a common project, each was engaged in sculpture, illustration and graffiti. This versatility is also noticeable on the murals - the images look voluminous, which means that the artists are able to apply the techniques developed for sculpture and other genres. Each picture strikes with a palette of shades. And in every image there are necessarily shadows. It is this imperceptible trifle that creates a sense of reality.
Some pictures look fantastic, break any logic. But behind each of them is the same idea: nature. The artists remind us that there are animals on earth that need our protection. Most often, large animals flaunt in the drawings - whales or bears.
The size of the pictures also makes sense. These are huge drawings, next to which a person should feel small. Thus, the artists remind that man is a part of nature.
2. Eduardo Cobra
Brazil is a country where street art is appreciated even by city authorities. Eduardo Cobra is a Brazilian artist whose work is admired for its brilliance.
In his work, he uses many techniques, and it is noticeable. Each painting has been worked on the smallest details. His murals are often referred to as "fotografiti". Indeed, on some photographic accuracy depicted famous people, for example: Dali, Einstein and Lennon.
Eduardo creates three-dimensional paintings. But not simple ones - their volume is visible only from one angle. So it's more interesting: you can walk past the image and see how the picture changes before your eyes.
3. Swoon
Swoon means "swoon" in English. It is a nickname American artist, which creates prints with the image of people - and decorates the streets with them. Most often, the artist works with abandoned places - old buildings, bridges, fire escapes... Why is that? Swoon received her art education and felt she didn't want to "hold back" her creativity. He does not want to paint pictures that will remain closed in museums or galleries. She realized that she wanted to be part of the world. And there was a way out: gluing pictures to the walls. The act itself is symbolic. This is a connection with the world, its change.
The people in the paintings are friends and relatives of the artist. The choice of portraits is also not random. Swoon says that every person is a bearer of feelings. And it is the portrait that reflects the experiences. Can be caught bright moment- and transfer it to the picture.
4. Etham Cru
Etham Crew is the pseudonym of two Polish artists. Their murals are striking in size. Huge drawings from Etham Cru decorate houses all over Eastern Europe. The artists are not going to stop there and plan to travel all over Europe and visit America.
The Polish authorities appreciated the artists at their true worth - and they themselves order them to paint the next house. So the house turns into an object of art. Many tourists, coming to Poland, go on an excursion to see all the paintings of artists.
Such work takes a lot of effort and time, but the result justifies the expectations. In their work, Etam Crew refer to folklore motifs, as well as the style of surrealism.
5. Aron de la Cruz
Aron de la Cruz is an artist and designer from California. Aron is a real reformer in the art of graffiti. His style is minimalism. It turns out that minimalism is possible in street art.
The artist became interested in graffiti from childhood - from the age of 7. And from the age of 12 he already began to try himself in this matter. What Aron is creating now is not exactly graffiti. His art can be called "street" for only one reason - it's drawings on the walls. The artist himself does not consider himself painting graffiti. At the same time, he admits that each viewer can decide for himself what this art is called. Any name will suit him.
What is art? Aron says art is a challenge. First of all, challenge yourself. Each time the artist checks whether he can create a work that will resonate in the hearts of people. Aron uses a minimum of materials in his work. Also, it works without sketches. Draws right away. Spontaneous creativity he calls work with emotions. The very feelings lead him. And the creative process becomes an exciting journey, because the one walking does not know where the road will lead.
Aron now lives and works in San Francisco. He is not scared big walls– the artist undertakes with pleasure to paint huge spaces. Moreover, he dreams of the whole street adorned with his work. And he believes that in the future he will definitely fulfill this dream.
Aron's work is becoming more and more popular. His drawings already decorate not only the walls, but also clothes. The minimalistic ornament on the T-shirt looks stylish and unusual.
6. Bordalo II
And one more environmental project. Bordalo is a Portuguese artist who uses... rubbish in his art. For what? The artist was born in 1987. He calls his era "the time of consumers." IN developed countries more goods are produced than a person needs, while a huge amount of waste remains.
The artist says:
“What is rubbish to one is treasure to another.”
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And uses waste products to create murals that remind people of the state of the planet.
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7. Os Gemeos
Os Gemeos is a pseudonym behind which there are two artists. Pandolfo brothers - Otavio and Gustavo. The twin brothers were born in Brazil. It is Brazilian culture and folk art shaped the style of the artists.
The brothers believe that style is a person's individuality. Each of us is special. The main thing is to understand what your uniqueness is - and develop it. At the same time, style should not limit the creator. Don't be afraid to go beyond. Any deviation from style is a search. It is important not to stand still, but to develop and experiment.
The creative path of the brothers began with street paintings not far from home. At first they simply copied their favorite graffiti artists, and over time they began to create their own art. Most often they draw yellow-faced people. Why yellow? Yellow, according to the brothers, is the color of dreams. Plus the influence of Brazilian culture - with its bright sunny colors.
Now the duet Os Gemeos is popular all over the world. The brothers travel a lot and try to decorate as many cities as possible. They paint not only on the walls, but also on the trains. Artists have had a love for trains since childhood. At the beginning of their career, they painted on cars in secret, and now they are invited to participate in car design projects.
In 2007, the brothers painted a Scottish medieval castle. In the most prominent place - a typical yellow character. The public perceived this project ambiguously: some people were delighted, others called the painting not creativity, but a desecration of the ancient castle. But this shows the essence of art - it should not leave people indifferent. Otavio and Gustavo believe that the task of graffiti, like any art, is to make a person feel.
Artists often take part in exhibitions. But every time they remind: what the viewer sees in the gallery can no longer be called street art. This is painting, design, anything but graffiti. Even if the picture at the exhibition exactly repeats the image on the street wall. Thus, the brothers defend the "purity" of the graffiti genre.
8. Gaia
Gaia - talented artist from Baltimore, USA. Gaia is the goddess of the earth Greek mythology. She is the patroness of all life on the planet. This name prompted the artist the theme of creativity. Gaia draws animals. In this way, he wants to add nature to the gray urban landscape. Breathe life into stone cities.
The artist takes seriously the choice of the animal that will show off on the wall. Each picture has its own meaning. Sometimes it's traditional. For example, a dove is a symbol of peace. But most often, Gaia combines several animals in one picture: a tiger with hare ears or a giraffe with a fish tail.
The artist is constantly at work. His daily routine is getting up at 9 am, a few free hours that go to check social networks, and then work until evening. Gaia is working on new projects every day. And the artist is not going to forget about graffiti. Street art for him is a way to explore the world around him.
9.OakOak
french artist who creates fun and creative street art. He calls himself either a “painter”, or a “sweeper of the streets”, but talent is hidden behind such modesty. He knows how to turn every little thing into art. Stairs, pipes, poles, uneven asphalt, gratings, tree shadows... Absolutely everything.The concept of "street art" is translated into Russian as "art of the street" and in a broad sense means the creation of art objects right on the streets of cities.
streets?
Many artists believe that such a phenomenon as street art cannot be defined in principle. This phenomenon is too complex and multifaceted. Nevertheless, it is possible to single out the general. Firstly, street art is the fruit of the work of a street artist, and secondly, it can only exist on the street. There are four sides to street art: the idea and the place, the reference to the external or internal, the claim to eternity or its absence, intimacy. For every job, these components are as important as windows are needed for a house. There is a popular phrase among artists that the work you have completed will remain only yours until dawn, and then it will become common. This is the essence of street art. But this frankness leaves its mark - the artist often has to open his soul, expose own feelings in front of strangers.
Art in action
How does street art work? Photos, anime, comics, celebrity portraits, current events in the world - all this does not go unnoticed by street artists. The plots of art objects located on the streets in all parts of the Earth are extremely diverse. One thing unites them - this is the opportunity to convey the idea to the widest circle of people. Therefore, the artist has such a responsibility, because he creates art for the masses. And it resonates in the hearts of the citizens. Today, museums are opening around the world, festivals, meetings the best craftsmen and ordinary lovers of urban beauty.
How is street art made?
Artists know that sooner or later the idea will take over the heart and thoughts completely, so much so that it is unbearable to do nothing. This means that it's time to pick up paint and go outside. Even those who have long ceased to consider themselves a beginner know that anyone healthy person it's scary to start. This fear is normal. And in some ways even necessary. The main thing is to overcome it in time and decide on the execution of the idea. One of the most important tools of a street artist is not a spray gun or a brush, but a generous dose of healthy irony and sarcasm, devoid of obtrusiveness and arrogance. It is humor that allows you to achieve the effect when everyone sees and discusses the work itself, and not whether it was possible to paint something on this wall. No less than the right attitude, important and technical means. Artists have a rule: take with you twice as much as you need. Then they are enough. And professionals joke that the best cure for the looks and distracting questions of the curious is the phrase: "We are making a movie." As a rule, after such onlookers leave the artists alone.
A bit about street artists
And now about those who, thanks to talent, a share of adventurism, a sense of humor, have acquired world fame. However, "famous" is not quite the right word. After all, it often happens that the creation of a master is seen by millions of people, the fame of him spreads around the world, and no one really knows anything about the artist himself. Something like this happened with Banksy from London. His famous "Nude" (pictured) is famous all over the world. And all that was known about the master was a short pseudonym. Now Banksy is coming out of the shadows, participating in international projects, travels around the world. One of the admirers of his talent is Angelina Jolie.
Portuguese Alexander Farto (Vhils) amazes the public with incredible plots, huge works, intricate interweaving of many tiny details. A peculiar feature of the artist is a partial mechanical effect on the surface. One of his "autographs" is also in Moscow.
Californian Above creates on the topic of politics, society, culture. His works can be found in more than fifty countries around the world. In the photo - the work "First Love".
Portuguese artist Peter Roa also loves to travel. He draws black and white pictures of animals. On one of the Moscow walls, squirrels painted by him flaunt. But such a giraffe settled in Africa.
Our contemporary and compatriot from Simferopol in just a few months acquired world fame. Someone with the pseudonym Sharik paints his street canvases condemning the war and murders, showing the whole unpleasant side of the Ukrainian conflict. Sharik's works can be seen in many cities of Crimea.
Nikita Nomerz creates interesting images from buildings and structures. His works shock, amaze and bring a constant smile to the inhabitants of several Russian cities.
Philosophy of street art
Street artists make the black-and-white world colorful, faceless walls of housing estates are turned into objects of art. But main value street art is not in its aesthetic side, but in the fact that thanks to it people think about modernity, about eternal values and their role in this world.
Street art in last years became an integral part of contemporary art. True, even today, many believe that graffiti on the walls is balancing on the fine line between art and vandalism. In our review, we will talk about the most famous and recognizable artists working in this genre.
1 Stinkfish
Stinkfish is the most famous representative Colombian street art. In the capital of Colombia, Bogota, in almost every area you can find his drawings on the walls. Stinkfish's inspiration comes from the bystanders he photographs on the street. After that, he turns these pictures into works of art, transferring them to the walls in the city. Initially, the artist worked only in South America, but then began to travel around the world, leaving his works in all corners of the globe.
2. Gaia
Gaia became famous in the world of street art even before he graduated high school. A guy from New York appeared on street scene in 2007. By that time, he had graduated from high school and immediately founded the Baltimore Open Walls street art festival. For this festival, he donated over a dozen new graffiti to the city, created with the help of various well-known street artists from around the world. Although Gaia is still very young, his style has influenced many street artists.
3.Invader
Invader literally burst into the world of street art in 1998, gaining overnight fame for its tiled mosaics. The Parisian artist has become known for finding unique and interesting places for your works. His graffiti are either unusually high or very low, which creates an element of surprise. Invader also helped his cousin Thierry Guetta find success in the art world under the pseudonym Mr. Brainwash.
4 Guerrilla Girls
The Guerilla Girls have been pushing the boundaries of the art world since 1985. Girls with their work highlight the problem of sexism in the world. In 1989, for example, one of their posters featured the ticklish question, "Does a woman have to be naked to get into a museum?" By this, they pointed to the discrepancy between the number of works of women artists in museums, compared with the number of naked women depicted in the paintings. While the Guerilla Girls may not always be associated with the street art movement, the talented New York-based collective often perform their messages on the streets.
5. Ron English
The Dallas native rose to prominence in the art world in the late 1970s. He is considered a pioneer of the street art movement and is also known for coining the term "POPaganda". In the early 1980s, Ron English became famous for satirical works in which he demonstrated how large corporations influence society.
6. COST and REVS
COST and REVS have become known as two of the most creative New York City graffiti artists of all time. Between 1993 and 1995, their work could be found in every corner of the city. Artists brought their work to new level, compared to most graffiti artists of the time, as they added a phone number to their artwork. When you call this number, an answering machine is turned on, to which you can dictate your sentences. As a result, COST was arrested, while REVS managed to remain anonymous. They are considered legends in the history of street art.
7 Shepard Fae
Born and raised in South Carolina, Shepard Fairey entered the street art scene in 1989. Opinions about him vary widely, with some people calling him great and others the worst street artist of all. In any case, he was extremely popular - countless artists imitated his work, and most people liked his work.
8. Futura 2000
Futura 2000, who is known to his friends and family as Lenny McGurr, is by far one of the most recognizable street artists on the planet. McGurr became interested in art in the 1970s, and in the 80s conquered the New York subway, creating beautiful and unique works of art in the stations. Now the artist, who is considered a living legend, continues to draw inspiration from the streets of Brooklyn, where he grew up and still resides.
9. Banksy
Banksy came to the world of street art much later than most of the artists on this list. Nevertheless, he had an undeniable influence on the entire genre of street art. Many street artists who started their careers in the last few years owe their success to Banksy. The street art community should thank Banksy for the fact that he was able to convey this art not only to connoisseurs, but also to the general public. Banksy caused a great resonance in social media, and was even nominated for an Oscar.
10 Keith Haring
From 1981 to 1990, Keith Haring was an iconic figure in the art world. Although he passed away at the age of just 31 due to complications related to AIDS, his work has had an impact not only on street art, but on the entire art world as a whole. His success began with animated drawings on empty billboards in New York City subway stations. After his death, Haring's work began to be shown at many international exhibitions.
11. Jean-Michel Basquiat
Before Basquiat became a celebrity comparable to artists such as Futura 2000, Warhol and Haringa, he was a homeless person who created graffiti under the pseudonym "SAMO" in New York City. Basquiat's main activity falls between 1976 and 1988. Throughout its short life Basquiat has achieved a lot. He conquered famous galleries, but continued to work on the street. A whole new generation of artists grew up on Basquiat's work who tried to copy his style. Unfortunately, the artist suffered from paranoia and abused hard drugs. He was found dead at the age of 27. The cause of death was an overdose of a mixture of heroin and cocaine.
If you pick walls, then with intelligence and talent. The authors of original
Street art (Street art) is the direction to contemporary art, a feature of which is the use of urban areas for various kinds of art projects.
It is difficult to name the exact date of the foundation of street art as a direction in art. Historically, the term itself became popular in the early 80s, at the same time it began to enter the lexicon of various kinds of art historians, but, of course, the genre itself arose much earlier.
Because street art has no clear conceptual or technical boundaries, it is impossible to identify specific ideological predecessors for street art as such. In this genre, you can observe a huge number of different subgenres, and each of them often has its own history. So, for example, at the present time, when street art is already recognized as an art direction, there is a point of view that "legalizes" it in the eyes of the general public, pointing out that street artists often give nondescript industrial cities the status of new cultural centers, create new aesthetic spaces that improve the quality of life of the local population. A prime example such a transformation can be considered a city Bristol, presumably the birthplace of Banksy, where now his works are not only preserved, but they even arrange tours. In addition, many other street artists come to this city and their work is also preserved. From this point of view, the ideological predecessors of street art can be considered futurists (including Russian ones), who called for painting the walls of houses, “ennobling the eye (taste) of the passer-by.”
At the same time, it should be noted that not all representatives of street art conceptual framework was the idea of ennobling the urban environment. One of the notable manifestations of street art is graffiti. Here (if we talk about the modern period of history, because in general we can talk about graffiti in relation to the most different eras) The story begins in the 1920s, when drawings and inscriptions began to appear on freight trains plying the United States. Later, this direction turned into a method of disseminating political and other ideas, as well as a method of securing the territory of various kinds of groups of people. In the early 70s, the movement became extremely popular, many writers appeared, whose goal was to place their tag (their signature) wherever possible. In the face of competition from other writers, there was a desire to make their work the most visible, signatures became more and more complex. In this case, often, regardless of the original idea of the author, the sign or inscription received additional meaning after they were created. In other words, the more often a person sees this or that image, the more likely it is that he will have a question: what does this mean? People start asking each other, the sign becomes part of the cultural environment, gradually getting new interpretations.
The development of graffiti was associated primarily with the United States, and more specifically with New York. There, the local subway became the main platform for various kinds of street artists. This was due to the fact that the subway at that time was the most unprotected part of the city, in which there were a lot of people. Those. it was relatively safe to draw something on the subway and the audience for the work was significant. That. this manifestation of street art developed under conditions of external pressure from the authorities and this, of course, had an impact on it. In subsequent years, began active company to combat graffiti in the subway and this led to the fact that many artists began to work on the streets. A little later, the stencil began to gain popularity, because. so the artist can create his drawing faster, which reduces the likelihood of a possible arrest.
At the same time, it should be noted that the stencil itself is also a separate direction in street art. It is believed that he gained popularity on the wave of graffiti and under the influence of an atmosphere unfavorable for a long and painstaking work, but it would be wrong to say that the stencil is exclusively a continuation of the tradition of New York graffiti. This method is interesting not only because it allows you to quickly create an image, but also because it allows you to repeat the same pattern many times, and since. for direct application of paint over the stencil, it is not necessary to be outstanding artist, a tag made in this manner spreads faster across the conditional territory. Perhaps the first example here can be considered the so-called. "Kilroy Was Here"(English) Kilroy was here). The tag has gained immense popularity in postwar period in the USA and Europe. The phrase itself belongs to James Kilroy, who inspected the shipyards and left such an inscription on the checked ships. Gradually, the phrase began to be noticed and interpreted. The soldiers began to reproduce it in various cities of Europe, and in post-war years typical image little man with long nose, peeking out from behind a certain plane and the corresponding inscription "Kilroy was here" began to appear throughout America.
In the 90s of the XX century, artists began to use the stencil, who later became widely known. Here we can note Shepard Fairey's "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" company, which later transformed into the "Obey" company, during which the author distributed about a million images of Andre the Giant with the corresponding inscription, using various methods, including stencil. The repeated repetition of the same image affects the viewer's interpretation of that image. In part, here you can find some similarity with the ideas of pop art, but you need to understand that if the concept of a simulacrum involves the creation of a copy without an original, a symbol without meaning, then in this case we are talking about a symbol that acquires meaning after, or rather in the course of multiple copying. However, a number of artists who became famous within the framework of street art, at a certain point, began to work in the genre of pop art, often using images previously invented for the street.
Another direction of street art can be considered various kinds of installations. Here you can highlight the work of Mark Jenkins, who creates sculptures from film and tape, placing them later in cities around the world. However, street art can be attributed to any art work performed within the boundaries of a particular city, which makes this genre virtually limitless in the number of works, artists, ideas, etc.
