Street Art Notes

Banksy

  • England-based street artist, political activist, and film director.

  • Known for satirical social and political commentary with striking visual artistry.

  • Uses stencils to create provocative artwork that critiques societal issues.

    • Exhibition “Barely Legal” - Painted a real Elephant.

Shepard Fairey

  • Known for "Obey" campaign and the Barack Obama "Hope" poster.

  • Combines graphic design and social activism.

  • Incorporate propaganda and bold graphics that comment on social issues and consumer culture.

Jean-Michele Basquiat

  • Neo-expressionist style and social commentary.

    • Started as a graffiti artist: SAMO.

    • Wrote poems/statements about capitalism and consumerism in public spaces.

  • Symbols:

    • Crown - race and power.

    • Copyright - sign of reclaim authorship.

    • Skull - liked studying the bones, slave skull, voodoo face.

  • Warhol - important figure to Basquiat - worked together.

  • Died at 28 - heroin overdose.

Romare Bearden - The Dove

  • Collage artwork created in 1967.

  • Represents themes of peace and community.

  • Mixed Media Collage- a form of Mixed Media - Found objects are pasted to a canvas

  • Stereotypes:

    • Smoking, African American → unemployment.

    • Dove: Peace.

David Hammons - Spade with Chains

  • Explores themes of race, identity, and cultural heritage through found objects.

  • Assemblage- a work of art made from grouping found or unrelated objects

  • Spade —> wielded small chains - think of: slavery.

  • (Hidden) Warrior mask: symbol of strength - traces back to Africa.

David Hammons - Higher Goals Basketball Court

  • Comments on education, opportunity, and societal expectations.

  • Built a basketball Goal - tall as a telephone pole - added wind chime

  • symbolize: aim higher, shoot higher, get an education

  • Highlights the challenges faced by African American youth.

Raymundo Medina - Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

  • Celebrates and honors deceased loved ones.

  • Incorporates traditional Mexican cultural elements and vibrant imagery.

  • Bring attention to fix the streets - pot holesbeautify it and bring attention - wire and paper mache

Tom Bob from NYC - The Frog

  • Transforms public spaces in New York City.

  • Whimsical transformations of public spaces in New York City, often featuring colorful, creative characters and themes.

  • Re-imagining the mundane.

  • Trying to brighten your day - very cartoony and children's book look

JCRO - Kobe Mural in LA

  • Mural dedicated to Kobe Bryant.

  • public Morals (public Art) Payed for (Nike)

  • Cubisam, Duchamp (staircase) - Because of triangles

  • Opposite colors (complementary colors)

  • Working on Warhol and Basquate - he appreciate his roots knows that they paved the way