This novice-friendly guide is not representative of subject matter taught at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Graffiti and street art have transformed urban landscapes across the globe, turning mundane walls into vibrant canvases. With origins in ancient Rome and a reemergence in 1960s New York City, these artworks center the stories of people within their communities and incorporate the various identities, passions, and struggles that make each community unique.
From its introduction to the streets of New York in the 1960s to its rise as a symbol of modern urban culture, graffiti has evolved significantly. How did an art form once unaccepted by larger society achieve the status of high art? Read on to explore the evolution of graffiti to street art.
The Origins of Graffiti
Graffiti, as we recognize it today, emerged in the 1960s and 70s primarily in New York and Philadelphia. Young artists armed with spray cans began tagging their names and creating intricate designs on subway cars and buildings. These early artists, who called themselves “writers,” were motivated by a desire to leave their mark on public spaces and amplify their voices in a rapidly urbanizing world.
The rise of hip-hop culture in the 1970s further cemented graffiti's role as a cornerstone of urban identity. Alongside breakdancing, DJing, and rapping, graffiti provided a creative outlet for marginalized communities to express their frustrations, aspirations, and cultural pride.
Artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat contributed to the elevation of graffiti to street art status. “Basquiat famously appeared as a DJ alongside pop star Blondie in the 1981 Rapture music video. The video included references to high cultural art forms such as classical ballet, positioning street art and rap music alongside ‘high art’,” says David Bellingham, Program Director of MA Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
What is the Difference Between Graffiti and Street Art?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, graffiti and street art are distinct forms of urban expression. Graffiti typically focuses on stylized lettering, symbols, or “tags,” emphasizing the artist’s identity or crew affiliation. It often employs spray paint or markers and prioritizes visibility and placement.
In contrast, street art encompasses a broader range of visual expressions, including murals, stencils, wheatpaste posters, and even installations. Street art often aims to engage with the public on social or political themes, sometimes with the artist’s consent from property owners.
How Did Graffiti Become a Recognized Art Form?
In the 1970s and 1980s, graffiti was largely associated with vandalism, prompting cities to launch aggressive anti-graffiti campaigns. Despite its outlaw status, graffiti began to gain recognition as a legitimate art form when galleries and collectors took an interest in the movement.
Pioneers like Basquiat and Keith Haring transitioned from the streets to the art world, blending graffiti aesthetics with contemporary art practices. This shift highlighted the cultural significance of graffiti and its ability to challenge traditional notions of art.
“Haring also pioneered the commodification of street art through affordable everyday utilitarian objects such as pencil cases and sketchbooks. Like street art, these objects subvert the high-finance aspirations of the art market,” says Bellingham.
Over time, graffiti’s bold visuals and raw energy became symbols of urban creativity, inspiring a wave of street artists worldwide.
Interested in learning more about contemporary art? Explore online and short courses at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Prominent Graffiti Artists and Their Influence
Many graffiti artists have risen to global prominence, influencing not just the art world but popular culture as a whole. These artists bridged the gap between street art and the fine art world and are responsible for shaping contemporary art into what it is today.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: From Graffiti to Galleries
Basquiat began his artistic journey under the pseudonym SAMO, ‘same old sh*t’, alongside collaborator and friend Al Diaz, tagging buildings in East Village and SoHo with cryptic messages and poetic phrases. His work combined graffiti’s raw energy with themes of race, identity, and power, earning him recognition in the burgeoning New York art scene of the 1980s.
Collaborating with artists like Andy Warhol, Basquiat brought street art into prestigious galleries and museums, challenging perceptions of what constituted “high art.” His meteoric rise and untimely death solidified his legacy as a transformative figure in both graffiti and contemporary art.
Keith Haring: Art for the People
Keith Haring emerged in the 1980s as another key figure who brought street art into mainstream consciousness. His bold, graphic style featured recurring motifs such as radiant babies, barking dogs, and dancing figures, making his work instantly recognizable.
Haring found beauty and inspiration in the graffiti painting the sides of New York subway cars and looming above him on buildings and bridges. He began creating chalk drawings on unused advertising panels in the subway, turning these spaces into public art galleries accessible to everyone.
Haring used art as a medium for activism, and his artworks often addressed issues like AIDS awareness, apartheid, and LGBTQ+ rights. He, like many other artists, used his platform to advocate for change, creating murals and artworks in collaboration with his own community and eventually with communities around the world.
Other Influential Street Artists
- Banksy: Known for his satirical stencils, Banksy’s work creatively critiques political and social issues, turning urban spaces into thought-provoking art installations.
- Shepard Fairey: The creator of the iconic Obey campaign and the Barack Obama Hope poster, Fairey’s artworks center colorful graphics accompanied by bold phrases or words, which are screenprinted and wheatpasted on public walls.
- Dondi White: Dondi White revolutionized graffiti with his intricate and visually stunning lettering. His work emphasized precision, composition, and bold color schemes, setting a new standard for graffiti artistry.
- Futura 2000: An early innovator in abstract graffiti, Futura’s signature art style masterfully blends text and imagery. His work has been featured in collaborations with brands like Nike and Supreme and even the mega rock band, The Clash.
- Lady Pink: One of the first women to break into the male-dominated graffiti scene, Lady Pink’s fantastical murals are love letters to spirituality and femininity.
The State of Graffiti and Street Art Today
Today, graffiti and street art coexist as influential components of urban culture. While graffiti continues to thrive as a subcultural movement, often resisting commercialization, street art has increasingly gained mainstream acceptance.
Cities around the world have embraced street art as a form of cultural tourism, commissioning large-scale murals and organizing festivals. The integration of street art into urban culture has revitalized neighborhoods, drawing tourists and fostering community pride. Art districts like those mentioned below showcase how graffiti can transform urban areas into thriving cultural hubs.
Los Angeles, California
In Los Angeles, the Venice Public Art Walls serve as a testament to the evolving relationship between graffiti and public spaces. Originally part of the Venice Pavilion, these walls have been designated for legal graffiti art since 2000, offering a platform for artists to express themselves without fear of criminalization. The walls attract both local and international talent, making them a dynamic and ever-changing canvas that reflects the vibrant energy of the street art community.
Miami, Florida
Originally established in 2009, the Wynwood Walls in Miami, Florida transformed a formerly industrial neighborhood into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Featuring large-scale murals by artists from around the globe, this space features artworks by prominent names such as Shepard Fairey, Os Gemeos, and Swoon, contributing to its status as a cultural landmark. Each year, new murals are unveiled during Art Basel Miami Beach, ensuring the space remains an ever-evolving testament to the power of urban art.
London, England
Shoreditch, Camden, and Brick Lane in London are bustling with the trendiest restaurants, bars, and shops that the city has to offer, but what makes them especially unique are their vibrant street art scenes.
Brick Lane is home to iconic street art by Banksy and Stik among others, while Camden offers a mix of murals and contemporary pieces along its lively streets. Tours of these neighborhoods’ ever-evolving street art are popular among both locals and visitors, solidifying London’s reputation as a hub for urban creativity.
Paris, France
Paris blends history and modernity in its street art. Neighborhoods like Belleville and Oberkampf showcase vibrant murals and graffiti that reflect the city’s rich cultural diversity. Additionally, the Canal Saint-Martin area attracts artists who use its walls as an open canvas to express political and social commentary.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Street Art Museum Amsterdam offers a curated glimpse into the city’s graffiti and street art culture, highlighting its transformation from subculture to mainstream art form. The museum showcases large-scale murals and installations, creating a space where art and activism converge.
Meanwhile, the city itself features iconic works, particularly in the NDSM wharf area, where industrial buildings have been turned into a vibrant art district.
Berlin, Germany
In Berlin, the East Side Gallery serves as both a historical monument and a canvas for artistic expression. Stretching over 1.3 kilometers, this open-air gallery consists of murals painted on remnants of the Berlin Wall after its fall in 1989. The gallery features over 100 artworks, each reflecting themes of freedom, unity, and hope.
From its beginnings on the streets of New York to its current global impact, graffiti has profoundly shaped the way we interact with urban spaces. As graffiti and street art continue to evolve, they challenge us to reconsider the boundaries between public art and private property, rebellion and recognition, and accessibility and exclusivity.
Interested in learning more about contemporary art? Explore online and short courses at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.