5 Reasons to Love Street Art

Street Art: 5 Reasons to Love It!

6/12/2017

The Pope running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Artist unknown

My first thoughtful run-in with street art actually occurred on Montmartre in Paris- you know the place where Picasso, Monet and others made their debut? Funny thing is, the picture I took was not of their painting perches but of a little piece of street art. It was a stenciled phrase, "ART IS A BASIC NEED".

On Montmartre in Paris

At the time I had never heard the word "street art" used before... graffiti and vandalism yes, but not street art. Since then I've been schooled on the subject and have become somewhat of an infatuated connoisseur. Judging by the explosion of street art in the Phoenix area and specifically commissioned murals...I see that I am not alone! You may have your own reasons for loving it...but for what's worth, here's mine!

#1 It's Bold
This is coming from a person that used to be afraid to crunch a carrot in public. The fact that an artist is willing to fling ideas publicly in paint without regard to critics and naysayers just does something for me. If you need a little inspiration to express yourself...maybe these muralists are just the inspiration you need!

Fence piece by #ashleymacias. Coronado Historic District, Phoenix, AZ

#2 It's Smart (sometimes)
One thing I have always loved in all art forms is the use of symbolism. It presents an image, a sound or an object in a way that allows the onlookers to derive meaning at a level deeper than a wordy explanation. Street art has definitely won me over in this area!

Piensa con el Corazon (Translation: Think with your Heart) Mural in Zaragoza, Spain by artist #Boamistura

"Brain Storm" by #violant_ in Lisbon Portugal

#3 It Takes Skill
So far as I know there is no formal education for becoming a street artist. Despite the fact that it is sometimes done illegally...the sheer skill required to create a large piece, using cans of spray paint often in the middle of night and have it sitting pretty by morning is an amazing feat to even the most law-abiding citizen (of which I am also a fan ! )

Phoenix, Arizona USA, Artist: Unknown

"Medusa" by El Mac and David Choe #mac_arte in Phoenix, Arizona, USA

#3 It Tells the Local Story
On a recent trip through Spain, we didn't have the luxury of a Street Art Tour during our stay in Zaragoza. But a basic knowledge of the region's history did the trick when it came to deciphering this piece. Zaragoza was the first city in the Old World to start processing chocolate. What does this mural say to you? I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Artist Unknown: Location: Zaragoza, Spain 2017

On our last visit to Spain we discovered the amazing city of Zaragoza. To our surprise it was packed with amazing street art (They forgot to mention this in the guidebooks!) and some of the most amazing architecture in Europe...Guess where we are going in 2018?

I'm Curious!

Honoring the late Frank Henry, an influential architect in Phoenix Area and the first person to graduate from ASU's Architectural College. Piece was done by #karladdison You can find this at #kitchensinkstudios in Phoenix, AZ.

Street Artist #lalocota was actually commissioned to do the #PAZCantina Food Truck in Phoenix, AZ. He is known for his abundant use of motifs relative to local Chicano culture. Note: This is also an example of how the culture of street art is evolving into a for profit profession.

Show me More!

Recent piece by #hugosart and #darrinarmijowardle in remembrance of "Malinda", a beloved woman in downtown Phoenix in the early 1900's.

#4 It Addresses Global Issues
Street Art is often politically charged. If you want to get a feel for some of the controversial issues being kicked around in the streets...go into the grittier parts of town and see what messages are being splashed around. Street artists love the fact that their messages get seen by every passerby. Motivated to save endangered species, artist Louis Masai went on a painting spree! As a part of 2016 "The Art of Being Project" he left this gift for us in Phoenix. It is one of 20 murals done in 12 cities in 2 months.

Part of "The Art of Beeing" Project by #louismasai.

Who Writes this Stuff?

Hi, I am Lori Ann. I love exploring the world and discovering cool ways to connect with the human race. My latest adventure has been in my home state of Arizona. If you are ever in the Phoenix Area come and have some fun with us or follow my blog!

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Street Art Defined: In this blog post I am referring mostly to commissioned and uncommissioned murals. However, technically it is any art created in a public space for the view of the public. It can range from unsanctioned (illegal) graffiti to commissioned murals or art pieces.

Would you like to get in on a little street art action? Join us October 14th for a combo Street Art Tour+Demo+ Hands on Experience!

Sign Me UP!

Phoenix is quickly becoming a Mecca for Street Art Lover's. Check out the maps prepared as a labor of love by a few of the Street Art Lover's here in town!

1) Phoenix Mural Project by Danielle Foushee

2) Murals of Phoenix

Wheat paste poster in Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Stencil graffito in Porto, Portugal.

#5 It Makes Ugly Walls Pretty
While this is stating the obvious...it's worth mentioning!

Alley wall in Mesa, Arizona created by Dimski

Do you like street art? I'd love to hear why or why not?

6 Comments

Jon

7/5/2017 05:36:20 am

I just got back to Phoenix after hiking the Camino de Santiago (Frances route) and "discovered" my love of street art along the way. I've always been fascinated by artistic graffiti (my daughter had a graffiti party when she turned 16, and she and her friends did some great/not so great stuff on our back wall - loved it, neighbors not so much), but it didn't really bubble up in my consciousness until the Camino walk, where I started taking pictures of one I walked by. I think your reasons to love street art nailed it, but I'd add that it nobody really owns it (at least so far) and it's free (to view). To me, it seems more honest and less stuffy art I see in museums and galleries. Thanks for a great post. I need to come do the Phoenix tour.

Lori Ann link

7/5/2017 01:49:44 pm

Hi Jon! Thanks for your comments. I agree...the fact that it belongs to everyone or that it is in plain sight for anyone is huge! Congrats on doing the Camino with your daughter. That must have been an amazing experience! Just this February we drove from Barcelona to Porto and saw much of northern Spain but did not swing up to Santiago del Compostela....funny thing, just today a friend invited me to do the walk with her so it's on my radar. I'd love to have you and your daughter join me on a street art tour. We've got some exciting things in the works related to that so stay posted!

Manjulika Pramod link

9/1/2020 03:09:47 am

Well Said. I love your reasons of loving street art. I am a great fan too.

Alessandra Tortone link

4/20/2021 10:30:56 pm

Well Said. Thankyou for sharing :)

Marina (NMPL) link

12/7/2021 02:18:51 am

Street art, I really love it. From my point of view, it's much better to walk near to abundant places and look for amazing pictures, than look for terrible old walls and understand that this building is so ugly and dangerously destroyed. I really support street art, thanks for the beautiful pictures and interesting article.

MervinBlankenship

8/1/2023 02:32:46 am

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Street Art: 5 Reasons to Love It!

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