Banksy

When Western audiences discuss mural street art, the conversation often begins with New York in the 1970s and figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat or, in later decades, Banksy. More historically informed accounts may also reference the European stencil tradition of Blek le Rat. However, this perspective overlooks a far older and far more global origin story in which wall painting served as a primary form of communication, ritual, and cultural memory.

Continue reading “Non-Western Roots of Mural Street Art: Walls Have Always Spoken”

Banksy’s public interventions in London continue to challenge the boundaries between street art, political protest, and monumental sculpture. At the end of April, the anonymous artist once again attracted international attention by installing a large plastic sculpture in Waterloo Place, St. James’s — a prestigious location near Pall Mall and Carlton House Terrace in Westminster. Surrounded by monuments dedicated to Edward VII, Florence Nightingale, and the Crimean War Memorial, the new Banksy statue immediately established itself as a provocative commentary on history, nationalism, and political power.

Continue reading “A New Banksy Statue in the Heart of London: Imperialist Critique”

The name of Mitchell Schorr is widely recognized across the United States. Known for both oil paintings and large-scale murals, the artist has built a diverse portfolio, with the “Da Race on Wheels” art van holding a unique place within it.

Continue reading “Legacy Beyond Street Art: “Da Race” Art Van by Mitchell Schorr”

Every person related to street art in some way knows the tragic story of 5Pointz. One of the world’s best-known collections of outdoor murals disappeared on November 19, 2013, when a crew of workers arrived at the site under the cover of darkness and painted the walls white. The Mecca of the Aerosol Art World, an internationally celebrated street art graffiti artifact, unlocked a long-lasting legal battle over the role, status, and ownership of street art.

Continue reading “The Tough Path of Street Art Graffiti: Legal Battle Over 5Pointz”

Less than two years have passed since the moment Banksy decorated the streets of London with a fancy animal series of stencil murals, and the capital of Great Britain is again in the spotlight of street art lovers. This time, it is a new street art mural that appeared on a wall in west London above the garages on Queen’s Mews in Bayswater. Banksy officially confirmed his authorship on his Instagram account, making this new spot a popular highlight.

Continue reading “Stargazing Children: A New Street Art Mural by Banksy in London”