Graffiti
At some point or another everyone has seen a train car, building or bridge with graffiti on it. Most often, it is rudimentary tagging done by adolescents acting out or gangs marking their territory. It lacks artistry, depth and even effort.
Less often, depending on where one lives, a different breed of graffiti shows up. It is no longer a rudimentary product like tagging. It has more purpose, more artistry, and more aesthetically appeal.
While these pieces are certainly an improvement, are they art? Can graffiti be art? If so what sets some graffiti apart as art and others as just vandalism?
Separating Street Art from Graffiti
The Widewalls website delves into what makes street art and sets it apart from graffiti. They laid out the main three points in this distinction.
1. Street art incorporates a strong devotion to social activism (although this is not always the case, it seems that this was an attribute of artwork that survived the test of time), 2. Street art represents a phenomenon that is, through self-transformation, constantly transforming the reality of contemporary art and finally, 3. Street art, as a particular practice, has a role in shaping and constructing new cultural discourses.
This analysis highlights how vital the relationship is between the art itself and society. Street art is not simply for self expression or beautification, it has a far deeper aim. The different social issues that street artists can create pieces about is almost as vast as the ways in which artists can create the pieces to address them. War and poverty are two of the top social issues that street artists address. This is likely because they are universal social issues that touch countries far and wide and stretch from the present time to the far reaches of the past.
Banksy
An anonymous British street artist who goes by the name of Banksy is one of the most well known, but also elusive, street artists there is. He creates art on walls with stencils and spray paint. Banksy started out in Bristol, England in the 1990’s but has become in international street artist and activist. Due to the anonymity that he maintains, coupled with the fact that his pieces are often removed or defaced, it is hard to say just how many pieces Banksy has created but it is clear his work is prolific. He has pieces to his credit in Britain, America, France, Spain, Austria, and Palestine, just to name a few.
Some of his most famous work was done on the West Bank wall in Palestine that was done to comment on the Israeli involvement in Palestine. The West Bank wall is a 425 mile long wall made of concrete with razor wire fences. In a BBC news article, it notes “Israel says the structure is necessary to protect the country from suicide bombers, but the International Court of Justice has said it breaches international law.” It is easy to see why the location and issue appeal to Banksy’s medium of street art and his activism aims. Though many of his pieces go unnamed due to his anonymity, they are well known and distinct none-the-less. The following 3 pieces are part of his West Bank wall/Palestine street art/activism spree.
“The Flower Thrower” in Bethlehem by Banksy
This piece depicts a masked Palestinian throwing, instead of a Molotov cocktail, a bouquet of flowers. Everything about the man exudes anger and violence, from the way he is standing to the squint of his eyes however, Banksy has taken away the Molotov cocktail that would create destruction and replaced it with a bouquet of flowers which represents peace. The juxtaposition of the flowers and the violence of the man are very powerful.
“The Armored Dove” located on the outside of the Palestine Heritage Center in Bethlehem by Banksy
This piece lends itself to the resistance to peace that seems to pervade the area. The dove with the olive branch are universal representations of peace, but then Banksy adds the bulletproof vest and scope target which seem to represent the dangers of working for peace and the determination of some to prevent peace. I find the juxtaposition of the two aspects in this piece both brilliantly insightful and incredibly disheartening.
“Angel Sprinkling Hearts” in Bethlehem by Banksy
This piece by Banksy depicts an angel sprinkling hearts, representing love, down upon the people.The meaning behind this one seems pretty clear, in a war torn, hate ridden area like the Middle East and the Palestinian/Israeli area specifically. Certainly the whole world could use more love, but just as certainly this area is in higher need of it. This piece gave me a greater sense of hope and optimism than the previous pieces, but still has an undertone and sadness.
Banksy’s pieces may not be the most technically advanced work in the street art realm but they incredibly powerful because of how he synthesizes the art and activism to draw people to his work and cause them to really think about the issues. I really enjoyed perusing his work and would love to get to see one in person.
Eduardo Kobra
Eduardo Kobra was born in 1976 in Sao Paulo, Brazil where he still lives and works. His artistic career began in 1987, at the age of 11, during the developing of urban art in Sao Paulo. He founded a Studio Kobra in the 1990’s, where he experimented in design and hyperrealistic painting. He takes historical imagery and applies his kaleidoscope style that is mixed with photorealism. Kobra creates the kaleidoscope effect by fragmenting his enormous murals into a multitude of small quadratic and triangular fractions and then within them he creates a picture with incredible detail and depth with his intricate line work and texture.
Kobra has many pieces in his own city and country but also has expanded beyond those borders. He has pieces around the world in America, Russia, the UK, Brazil, Japan, Switzerland, France, Greece, Poland, and Italy, just to name a few. He creates enormous, intricate, exquisite art, but in addition he often makes socio-political statements with his work.
“Pollution” in Sao Paulo by Eduardo Kobra
Although “Pollution” is not done in his signature style, the piece is a powerful statement on the pollution that the giant countries of the world are pumping out to benefit themselves, yet impact everyone. Part of what makes the piece so powerful is Kobra’s artistic prowess. The stacks and smoke look like they are truly in front of you, like you can almost taste and feel the smog around you. Then in the corner there is the incredibly real person standing with the old-school gas mask that gives the mural a further dark feel. I love the message and execution of this piece.
“Peace” in Rome, Italy by Eduardo Kobra
In this piece Kobra pays homage to Malala Yousafzai, who is a young social activist working to promote access to education for women in the Middle East. Thanks to Kobra’s photorealism prowess, Malala is easily identified in the mural with her face made up of brightly colored kaleidoscope pieces, except for her piercingly real eyes. Next to her in the mural is the word “peace” spelled out in various religious, national and iconic symbols. The intense colors of the piece quickly draw the viewers eye to the piece and then the viewer is able to take in the exquisite details and important meaning.
“Stop Wars” in Miami, Florida by Eduardo Kobra
This piece by Kobra continues his activism for piece and combines it with pop culture. It held great benefits for both the Star Wars empire and Kobra because it received an enormous amount of attention for both the upcoming Star Wars movie and the artist and his message. I like his creative use of pop culture mixed with art to create a further reach for his activist message.
Eduardo Kobra is street artist with incredible skill and a fresh take on mural painting. His street art is further elevated because it is not simply beautiful and impressive, it is also working to create socio-political change. I really enjoy his work and could see prints of it hanging in my house.
The Power of Street Art
Street art can be beautiful, powerful and changing, but one of the most powerful pieces of street art is that it is found out in the streets for anyone and everyone to view. The viewing is not limited to those who can afford to go to the gallery, it is for everyone equally regardless of socioeconomic status. The downfall to this element of street art is that it inevitably gets removed or defaced but in my opinion the benefits of its placement far outweigh the downfalls.
Bibliography
Ellsworth-Jones, Will. “The Story Behind Banksy.” Smithsonian Magazine. Smithsonian, n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2016. <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-story-behind-banksy-4310304/?no-ist=&preview=_page%3D1&page=1>.
Kostov, Ana Bambic. “Kobra in Rome.” WideWalls. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2016. <http://www.widewalls.ch/eduardo-kobra-exhibition-dorothy-circus-gallery-rome/>.
Maric, Bojan. “Defining Street Art Does (not) Have a Conclusion.” WideWalls. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2016. <http://www.widewalls.ch/defining-street-art/defining-street-art-does-not-have-a-conclusion/>.
Shauna's Art Appreciation Blog 
One of the things I find interesting about Postmodern art is that it sometimes made with materials you would not expect or in unusual places. Some of the other artists we have learned about, like Andy Goldworthy, create art in nature. So it is interesting to see street art pieces, which can only be done in an urban environment. Like you noted, it takes something that is not normally an art (graffiti) and makes it into one. I love your comment on how street art is more accessible than other art since it is out in the open. Art is no longer for the rich, like in the old days. I have always been interested in Banksy. He makes interesting art, even though it can be a simplistic. He has even made a film, called Exit Through the Gift Shop. Postmodern artists are not afraid to work in many different mediums and create fascinating art.
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Another Banksy fan, awesome! His documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop provides insight on his methods and influence in the street art community. I agree his West Bank Wall pieces do a fantastic job of conveying one strong emotion over most of the piece and completely offsetting it with a minor detail elsewhere. You mentioned the masked, rioting Palestinian man clearly radiates anger, yet a small bouquet of flowers completely reverses all those emotions and makes the entire message about love and compassion. Angel Sprinkling Hearts is alright, Banksy shifts from his standard style previously discussed, instead aiming for a straightforward piece.
I was unfamiliar with Eduardo Kobra before today, what a master of hyperrealism. His power plant piece speaks volumes. When looking at the surrounding street features you really get a feel for how large the canvas is, what a stunning piece of art. Do you know where it is displayed? Quickly glancing at Peace I thought the entire picture was a painting, the setting almost looks fake. Every color is vibrant, crisp, and carefully crafted. It is hard to imagine how some would consider this vandalism, especially considering the message and craftsmanship. Knowing they will not make a profit, it is apparent street artists really only wish to exercise their passion and spread messages.
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Great subject and research on both artists, one of my friends one time said we should just leave a blank space on the trains, bridges, roadways for artists to place their work on for creative graffiti. Banksy’s work is both political and more simple and Kobra’s is very colorful and still as political, amazing statements they are placing for the public to see.
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Excellent information about both artists! I’d never heard of Eduardo Kobra before, which is interesting because I actually prefer is style to Banksy’s. I wonder what factors contribute to an artist like Banksy’s fame over others.
You mentioned the power of street art, and that the downfall of it is that it inevitably gets removed, but I would be interested to learn about the specific damages involved. It is, after all, vandalism. Personally I appreciate street art, but then again it has never been my property that’s been defaced.
The link below is to a paper written by Cathay Y.N. Smith from the University of Montana. This is an interesting read as the author argues that street art has become more valuable and less of a public nuisance in recent years. She also goes on to explain that due to the ethics around street art, intellectual property law is not very effective in protecting it.
http://scholarship.law.umt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1111&context=faculty_lawreviews
Do you think further legal actions could serve to protect street art, while also looking out for public and private property? This is a complicated question without an easy answer, let alone any likelihood of implementation. Still, it is interesting nonetheless.
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Awesome blog! I really enjoyed the background and research. I have always marveled at street art such as these pieces. I think it is greatly overlooked as a true art and skill, if for no other reason, the amount of detail in these works and keeping in mind some of these are done in an extreme rush! Granted, I know some street art is planned and desired. Even so, it is still a marvel to me, either way.
One thing that strikes me about these is the anonymity of this work. Add that to the fact that street art tends to have a social or political message, makes these even more outstanding and thought-provoking.
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Yet another Banksy fan weighing in here! I love that you emphasized his political activism and chose 3 pieces that go with each other. I also really like how recognizable his messages are. They really add a weight that an aesthetic image alone doesn’t carry. Thanks for introducing me to Kobra! From what I’ve seen so far, his work has much of what I like about Banksy with the addition of all the color I crave. (Though I do think the simpler style and drabber palate of Banksy’s art is part of what makes them feel so punchy to me.) Pollution in particular is unbelievably beautiful. (Who ever thought I’d say that particular phrase?) My favorite part of your blog is that you emphasized the ideology of street art. I think even though it gets seen by a lot of people, that’s something that isn’t as widely known. The notes about the skill and thought involved in this work was also a great touch. This is probably one of the most thorough posts I’ve read so far this semester, really just fantastic.
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