Street art has been around since the 1960s, although it was not called “street art” until the 1980s. The father of street art is often credited to be a man named Jean-Michel Basquiat. Basquiat was a well-known graffiti artist who rose to fame in the 1980s. He is credited with being the first artist to “go mainstream” and bring street art to the public’s attention.
Basquiat was born in Brooklyn in 1960 and raised in the Caribbean. He began making graffiti in the late 1970s on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and quickly gained notoriety for his artwork. Basquiat’s art was inspired by the Afro-Caribbean culture of the Caribbean islands and often featured bright colors and collages of words and images. Basquiat’s work was seen as a form of protest against social injustice and a way to express himself.
In the early 1980s, Basquiat gained international recognition when he began showing his work in galleries. His art was soon being collected by celebrities and wealthy art collectors. By the end of the decade, Basquiat was a household name and had become a symbol of the art world. He sadly died of a heroin overdose in 1988 at the age of 27.
Today, Basquiat is recognized as the father of street art. His work helped to bring street art to the mainstream and his art has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. His influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary street artists, who continue to draw inspiration from his work.
Exploring the Roots of Street Art: Who is the Father of Street Art?
The origins of street art are often contested. While many people assume that it started in the mid-20th century, there are competing theories that suggest it may have been around for much longer. One of the most popular contenders for being the father of street art is Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Basquiat first became an artist in the late 1970s, before venturing to the streets of Manhattan to create his masterpieces. His art was a combination of graffiti, abstract expressionism, and pop art. He painted on walls, posts, and other surfaces, using bright colors and bold shapes to create unique works of art. His innovative style and vibrant colors quickly gained him national recognition and he went on to become one of the most celebrated street artists of all time.
Basquiat’s influence can still be felt in street art today. His colorful, expressive style is seen in many works, and his graffiti-style art is often cited as an inspiration for modern street artists. His work continues to inspire and influence contemporary street artists, who honor his legacy and explore new ways to create art in the public space.
Since his passing in 1988, Basquiat has become an iconic figure in the world of street art. He is remembered as a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of art and created something truly unique and remarkable. His vibrant and expressive works will continue to inspire street artists for generations to come.
Tracing the Origin of Street Art: Who First Started Graffiti?
When tracing the origins of street art, it’s impossible to ignore graffiti – a form of expression which has been around since ancient times. While its history is difficult to trace, there are some theories about who first started it.
Early graffiti was often seen as a form of vandalism, but its popularity has grown in recent times as more and more people recognise it as an art form. Graffiti has become a way for people to express their views, opinions, and emotions without fear of censorship or condemnation.
The earliest form of graffiti dates back to ancient Greece, where inscriptions and drawings were often found on walls and other public places. Ancient Rome also had its fair share of graffiti, showcasing political slogans and insults. Later, during the Medieval period, graffiti was used to communicate messages between religious groups.
The modern form of graffiti is thought to have emerged in the 1960s, with its popularity increasing in the 1970s and 1980s. It’s commonly believed that the first modern graffiti artist was Taki 183, a Greek-American from New York City who wrote his nickname on walls throughout the city. While he isn’t credited as the first graffiti artist, his name has become legendary in the scene.
The graffiti movement continued to grow in the 1980s and 1990s, with writers like Dondi White, Futura 2000, and Jean-Michel Basquiat gaining fame for their art. In the 2000s, graffiti art began to be recognised by the mainstream art world, with its popularity reaching a peak in the 2010s. Now, graffiti has evolved to include all types of mediums, from aerosol cans to digital art.
Today, graffiti serves as a powerful form of expression, often used to represent political and social messages. As graffiti continues to evolve, we can only hope that its messages will continue to be heard in the years to come.
- What is Graffiti?
- The History of Graffiti
- Who is the Father of Street Art?
- The Evolving Nature of Graffiti
The father of street art is widely considered to be Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Street art encompasses a variety of visual art practices, including graffiti, murals, paste-ups, stencils, sticker art, and more.
Street art originated in the late 1960s in New York City, with artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Fab 5 Freddy.
Street artists typically use aerosol paint, marker pens, and other materials to create their art.
The street art scene has evolved significantly since its beginnings, with more and more people around the world embracing the art form.
The purpose of street art varies, but it typically serves to bring attention to social issues, communicate political messages, and express creativity.
Street art is unique because it gives a voice to those who may not have the resources to create a traditional art form, and it often tells a story about the people in the community.
Famous street artists include Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Swoon, JR, and Vhils.
Street art can be found in urban areas around the world, often in areas with a large population of artists and activists.
Depending on the jurisdiction, creating and displaying street art without permission may be considered vandalism and result in legal repercussions.