Street art is a global phenomenon of non-classical self-expression, which emerged in the mid-20th century in the streets of European cities and quickly spread across the globe. Graffiti, murals, stencil art – there are plenty of styles and forms of artistic expression of national struggles, identity, and social issues. Often, by exploring street art, people can get to know local cultures much better than by visiting local museums. Here is a guide to the top four street art murals you should know if you’re a fan of the street art subculture.
Top 4 street art murals you should know
#1 Banksy’s “Girl with a Balloon”
Girl with a Balloon, or The Balloon Girl, is probably one of the best-known murals created by Banksy. It was originally located on the South Bank of London, but the mural became viral and was later reproduced in many parts of the world. The stencil mural depicts a young girl trying to reach out for the red, heart-shaped balloon. According to the artist, this mural is a symbol of hope for the better and innocence, though with a shade of negative emotions of loss.
#2 Keith Haring’s “Crack Is Wack”
This widely known mural was created in 1986 as a public warning against crack cocaine abuse. The mural is located on Harlem River Drive, Manhattan, and is still an iconic reference point of the crack epidemic of the 1980s. Haring is widely regarded as a pioneer of street art in NYC and one of the first to incorporate social activist themes in street art.
#3 INTI’s “La Madre Secular”
INTI is a Chilean street artist with a strong emphasis on spiritual iconography in his work. La Madre Secular is a 10-story towering mural located in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, featuring a modern Madonna figure. INTI’s Madonna holds several symbolic objects that fuse the elements of the indigenous Andean culture and spiritual elements with street art artifacts.
#4 Os Gemeos’s “Peace Mural”
Peace Mural by the artist duo Os Gemeos also takes its deserved place on the list of the top famous street art murals. It is located in Lisbon, Portugal, and promotes the theme of unity and non-violence. The duo employed signature images of whimsical, yellow-skinned characters to create this work, establishing a surreal atmosphere with their unique visual language elements.