Street art is a form of art that is created in public spaces, often without permission, and has become a popular way for artists to express themselves and make a statement. From London to Johannesburg, these 10 inspiring works of public street art from around the world represent the power of creativity and free expression. Banksy’s ‘Girl with Balloon’, Eduardo Kobra’s ‘Pele’, and Shepard Fairey’s ‘Hope’ are iconic pieces that address political and social issues, while works by Aryz, David Shillinglaw, Blu, Faith47, Vhils, Invader, and ROA showcase the beauty and diversity of nature and the power of art to transform even the most mundane of surfaces.
10 Inspiring Works of Public Street Art
Art has always been an important part of human culture. It tells the stories of the people, the time, and the place where it is created. Street art is an art form that is created in public spaces, often without permission. But despite its controversial nature, street art has become a popular way for artists to express themselves and make a statement. Here are 10 inspiring works of public street art from around the world.
1. Banksy’s ‘Girl with Balloon’ – London, England
Banksy is perhaps the most well-known street artist in the world. His works are often politically charged and thought-provoking. ‘Girl with Balloon’ is one of his most famous pieces. It depicts a girl reaching out for a heart-shaped balloon that is just out of her reach. The piece has been reproduced on everything from canvas prints to coffee mugs.
2. Eduardo Kobra’s ‘Pele’ – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Eduardo Kobra is a Brazilian artist who created the famous mural of soccer great Pele in Rio de Janeiro. The mural is over 6,000 square feet and took over a month to complete. The colorful piece is now a fixture in the city and a testament to the importance of soccer in Brazil.
3. Shepard Fairey’s ‘Hope’ – United States
Shepard Fairey created the iconic ‘Hope’ art piece during Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. The piece features a stylized portrait of Obama with the word ‘Hope’ written underneath. The piece became synonymous with the campaign and is still a powerful symbol of hope and change.
4. Aryz’s ‘Raras’ – Lisbon, Portugal
Aryz is a Spanish artist known for his large-scale murals that often feature animals and other natural elements. ‘Raras’ is a colorful and intricate piece that depicts a variety of creatures, from birds and fish to snakes and lizards. The piece is a testament to the beauty and diversity of nature.
5. David Shillinglaw’s ‘Conversational Chaos’ – London, England
David Shillinglaw’s ‘Conversational Chaos’ is a colorful and chaotic piece that features a mix of words, shapes, and images. The piece is meant to represent the chaos of modern life and the difficulty of communication in an increasingly complex world.
6. Blu’s ‘Berlin Wall’ – Berlin, Germany
Blu is an Italian artist known for his large-scale murals that often address political and social issues. His piece on the Berlin Wall features a series of colorful figures climbing over the wall and escaping to freedom. The piece is a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom and the struggle to achieve it.
7. Faith47’s ‘The Breakdown’ – South Africa
Faith47 is a South African artist who creates both street art and fine art pieces. ‘The Breakdown’ is a haunting and powerful piece that depicts a crumbling cityscape with a lone figure in the foreground. The piece speaks to the decay and breakdown of society, but also the possibility of rebirth and renewal.
8. Vhils’ ‘Scratching the Surface’ – Lisbon, Portugal
Vhils is a Portuguese artist known for his unique style of carving into walls and other surfaces to create intricate and detailed works of art. ‘Scratching the Surface’ is a stunning piece that features the face of a woman carved into a brick wall. The piece is a testament to the power of art to transform even the most mundane of surfaces.
9. Invader’s ‘Space Invader’ – Various Locations
Invader is a French artist who creates pixelated works of art inspired by the classic video game ‘Space Invaders.’ His works can be found in cities around the world, from Paris to Tokyo. The pieces are often small, hidden gems that reward those who take the time to find them.
10. ROA’s ‘Giraffe’ – Johannesburg, South Africa
ROA is a Belgian artist known for his large-scale murals of animals. ‘Giraffe’ is a stunning piece that features a larger-than-life giraffe stretching up the side of a building. The piece is a tribute to the beauty and majesty of these animals, and a reminder of the importance of conservation.
In conclusion, street art is a powerful form of expression that has the ability to connect people across cultures and borders. These 10 works of public street art are just a small sample of the incredible art that can be found in cities around the world. They remind us of the importance of creativity, free expression, and the power of art to inspire and move us.