Conceptual street art is an art form that goes beyond the traditional visual elements of street art and instead focuses on the concept or idea behind the work.
This is a form of art that – like conceptual art in general – is often used to make political statements or to comment on societal issues. The artist may use a variety of mediums, including spray paint, stencils, and even found objects, to convey their message.
One of the most famous graffiti artists of the late 1960s and 1970s was Keith Haring. Haring began his career as a graffiti artist in New York City and quickly gained recognition for his bold and graphic style. His work often depicted images of social and political issues, such as AIDS and poverty. Haring’s work has been credited with helping to bring street art into the mainstream art world.
Another of the graffiti writers who has had a significant impact on the street art scene is Shepard Fairey. Fairey’s work often features political and social commentary, and he is best known for his iconic “Obey” campaign and his portrait of Barack Obama that became synonymous with his presidential campaign. Fairey’s work can be seen in public spaces around the world, including in cities like Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
Jean-Michel Basquiat is another artist who has had a significant impact on the development of public art. Basquiat began his career as a graffiti artist in the late 1970s and quickly gained recognition for his unique style and powerful imagery. His work often featured political and social commentary, and he is considered to be one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
The development of guerilla art as an art movement can also be attributed to the rise of social media. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have made it possible for street artists to reach a global audience and for their work to be shared and appreciated by people all over the world. This has also led to a democratization of the art world, allowing for new and emerging artists to gain recognition and success.
The art world has also seen a shift towards the acceptance and incorporation of urban art into major museums and auction houses. The Brooklyn Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have both included street art works in their exhibitions and collections, and street art has become a sought-after commodity in the art market.
The definition of street art has also evolved over time. In the past, street art was often seen as a form of rebellion and a way for artists to disrupt the status quo. However, in recent years, street art has become more mainstream and has even been embraced by capitalist and neoliberal systems. Street art can now be found in gift shops and on limited edition merchandise, and it has become a way for cities to promote themselves as “creative” and “innovative.”
Despite this domestication of street art, many street artists continue to use their work as a way to make political statements and comment on societal issues. Jenny Holzer, for example, uses her street art to comment on issues like war, terrorism, and human rights. Her work can be found in public locations around the world, including on city walls and subway stations.
The conceptual street art scene is constantly evolving and new forms of street art are always emerging. Sayitng things in a different way – stencils and simple tags – creates art, often within local contexts, to create art that is both simple and powerful.