Art & About – Part 2. Street Art

A pictorial, three part, worldwide appreciation of outdoor visual treats.

Part 2. Street Art

Part 1 of this brief three part overview of outdoor art, dealt with graffiti. The difference between graffiti and Street Art, we believe, is the criterion of ‘permission’, in that the owner of the property has sanctioned the surface they own for the purposes of art or promotion.

It’s a fine line sometimes as to whether that permission was willingly given or acquiesced after the event – and sometimes you might wonder why permission was given at all – but that’s irrelevant for this round up of images that we happened across in our travels. We hope you enjoy seeing them as much as we did, as they certainly colour our perceptions of the cities and countries within which we’ve found them – being very much a part of the local landscape.

Street Art tends to fall into categories, in our opinion and we’ve grouped them accordingly in the sections below. We’ve also only included those pieces of art on pubic display, that can be seen by or on the roadside.

There are thousands of outstanding examples of street art, of which these are only a few examples, to perhaps make you more aware and get you looking. We’d always be happy to hear your opinion – let us know what you think.

Advertising & Promotion

Wall mural promoting the Picasso museum and gallery in Malaga, Spain

The decoration of a large or significant surface often draws attention to a business or property that might otherwise go unnoticed in the visual clutter of town or city paraphernalia. many of these artworks become permanent features of the properties on which they are applied, whereas others are transitory, relying on a specific campaign duration or contract.

Branding

No doubt here as to the trade of this proprietor in France

A close relative of Advertising & Promotion, much of the signage seen on buildings becomes an art form in itself; creating a perception and opinion of the property/business on which it resides.

Ornamental Decoration

Parisian piggy place – boucherie est charcuterie in the city centre

The street scene is often considerably enhanced by the presence of large and imposing murals that make pedestrians stop in their tracks to absorb and appreciate the artwork. The fact that they also cover large bland spaces brings charm, colour and often controversy to the public eye.

Political, Religious & Social Statement

Brutalist soviet worker fulfillment in Budapest

Public spaces are often used for propaganda and social comment – frequently unbidden but subsequently enduring for posterity, these artworks provide historical comment on social trends, injustice or ultimate achievement and act as markers in the social history of each country.

Temporary Surface Decoration

Family participation in attracting the riches of Goddess Lakshmi in India

Impromptu art, ften to reflect an event or occasion can be found adorning many a building or empty surface – such as in these examples with hand ‘painted’ ranguli designs of powder colour (each peculiar to individual families) that are created on the ‘angam’ or patio areas in front of every Hindu household in India during Diwali. The designs, along with miniature oil lights, are presented to the Goddess Lakshmi (bringer of wealth) to tempt her into the homes of devotees.

We’ve often been disappointed byt he plethora of roadside billboards and advertising hoardings in countries such as France and the U.S.A. but street art si in itself a medium that enriches the travelling experience rather than disturbing it – offering colourful insight into social trends and artistic styles of the inhabitants of any country you visit.

Let us know about your own experiences and opinions

Wherever you go you’ll find these wonderful manifestations of personal statement – why not make your own collection of images to enrich your own travelling experiences?

We’ve seen images like this on our travels all around the world. Let us paint you some pictures about your future travel and devise something equally as colourful for you.

Let us plan your own inspiring journey to the more colourful places in the world

Why not download the TLC World guide brochure or give us a call today on 01202 030443, or simply click ‘enquire’ to submit your own personal itinerary request