Urban art is a form of art that is found primarily in cities and urban areas, rather than in less densely populated rural areas. The term covers a broad range of styles, including graffiti and other forms of street art, as well as installations, installations in public spaces such as parks, and public art exhibitions. Urban art is often created on or with public property or materials, but it can also include indoor gallery shows, installations in public spaces with the permission of local authorities, and other forms of art that are primarily associated with cities.
This form of art is often seen as controversial, as it can be seen as vandalism or illegal by some and is often seen as being associated with gangs or antisocial behaviour. However, for many, urban art provides a means of expression and a chance to express themselves within their urban environment. The history of urban art is complex and encompasses a range of artistic movements that have developed over time to become an integral part of many cities around the world.
The Origins of Urban Art
The origins of urban art can be traced back to the very beginnings of cities and urban areas. In ancient cities, the walls of buildings and walls of the city would be decorated with carvings, mosaics and other forms of decoration. In the Middle Ages, the construction of cathedrals and other monuments began to be decorated with elaborate designs and sculptures, adding a decorative element to the cities.
In the early Modern period (c.1700-1830), a more artistic approach to public spaces began to emerge – for example, the parks of London were decorated with sculptures, fountains and other decorations. By the mid nineteenth century, the industrialisation of cities had led to the emergence of factories and tall chimney stacks, which became the focus of artistic works in the form of wall art and graffiti.
The Emergence of Graffiti and Street Art
Graffiti and street art are often seen as particularly associated with the urban environment.Graffiti has its roots in the early twentieth century, when it began to be used as a form of decorative writing by gangs and revolutionaries. By the mid twentieth century it had started to gain recognition as an art form, with people beginning to use graffiti to create colourful and expressive works in public spaces.
The emergence of street art was largely associated with the hip hop culture of the 1980s in New York. This culture included breakdancing, rap music and graffiti art, forming an integral part of the hip hop scene. Following the success of these forms of art, more artists, including Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, began to create works of street art in public spaces, often blending graffiti and painting to create vibrant works.
The Influence of Urban Art on Contemporary Art
Urban art has had a major impact on contemporary art, with many artists taking inspiration from street art, graffiti, and public art in their work. Artists such as Banksy, Invader and Shepard Fairey, for example, have all taken elements from urban art to create works of contemporary art, often exploring political, social and cultural themes in their works. These artists have had major influence on the art world, being exhibited in galleries and public spaces around the world.
The Impact of Urban Art on Society
Urban art has had a significant impact on urban life, transforming many cities and public spaces into vibrant and colourful places. It has allowed people to express themselves in their environment, transforming dull and often neglected public spaces into exciting works of art. This has had a positive effect on many communities, encouraging social interaction, encouraging people to take an interest in their urban environment, and providing a more stimulating and inspiring environment for people to live in.
Urban art has also had an influence on wider society, encouraging people to think more critically. Many public works of art, such as murals, have been used to explore social issues, or to bring attention to certain causes or events. They can be used to create debate, engage people in conversations about social and political issues, and to provide a platform for people expressing their opinions and views.
Urban art is a complex and diverse form of art that has had a major impact on cities and wider society. From its earliest beginnings in graffiti and other forms of street art, this art form has evolved over time – becoming an integral part of urban areas and allowing people to realise their creativity within their urban environment. This influential form of art has had a profound impact on contemporary art, inspiring many artists and challenging the way we think about art and urban life.
