Graffiti, Street Art & Murals: What We Learn from Public Art: Crash Course Art History #17

Summary

This episode of Crash Course Art History explores the world of independent public art, from ancient graffiti in Mayan ruins and Pompeii to contemporary street art. It delves into how unregulated art in public spaces challenges norms and fosters community engagement. Highlighting examples like murals in response to political movements and artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, the video demonstrates how such art can shift from rebellion to mainstream appreciation. Ultimately, it shows that independent public art is an integral part of cultural expression and activism, offering a unique perspective on history and the present day.

Takeaways

• 😀 Graffiti and street art have ancient roots, with examples found in Mayan and Roman civilizations, proving that the desire to create public art is not a modern phenomenon.
• 😀 Independent public art, unlike formally commissioned art, is often created without permission and challenges the status quo, embracing impermanence and community involvement.
• 😀 The origins of street art trace back to the late 1960s, when artists in cities like New York began tagging buildings and subways with their names, evolving into a more image-based style in the '70s.
• 😀 Independent public art is typically illegal, yet it often carries a sense of rebellion against societal norms, with the added risk of being removed or altered by authorities.
• 😀 Impermanence is a key feature of independent public art, with artists acknowledging that their works may only last for a short time before being erased or painted over.
• 😀 Collaborative and community-driven art projects, like Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla's chalk installations, show how public art can be participatory and fleeting, evolving with community contributions.
• 😀 Street art can convey powerful political messages, as seen in murals commemorating George Floyd's death, which became both a form of mourning and a symbol of activism for the Black Lives Matter movement.
• 😀 The global spread of murals created in response to George Floyd’s death highlights how street art can give voice to political movements and act as a site for public expression.
• 😀 Despite being considered vandalism, many street art pieces eventually find a place in museums and public spaces, challenging the boundary between illegal art and mainstream acceptance.
• 😀 Jean-Michel Basquiat’s transition from street art to gallery work exemplifies the journey from rebellion to mainstream recognition, bridging the gap between street art and traditional art forms.
• 😀 Street art is not just a form of rebellion but also a powerful tool for social change, offering a unique window into societal movements and shaping cultural history.

Q & A

What is the main difference between official public art and independent public art?

Official public art is created with formal approval, involving permits, funding, and specific rules, while independent public art is created without permission, often resisting the status quo and evolving with the community.

How does graffiti reflect historical artistic practices?

Graffiti has ancient origins, with examples found in places like the Mayan city of Tikal and Pompeii, showing that public art, even in its unapproved forms, has long been part of human expression.

What role does impermanence play in independent public art?

Impermanence is a key aspect of independent public art, as artists create works knowing they can be removed or altered by authorities or the community, making the act of creation itself significant.

How does independent public art differ from street art?

Street art, which evolved from graffiti, is often more image-heavy and open-ended, while independent public art can encompass a wide range of mediums and styles, all created without official sanction.

What is the significance of the ‘Chalk’ installation by Allora and Calzadilla?

The ‘Chalk’ installation emphasizes community collaboration, where locals are invited to add their marks to the artwork, creating a temporary, interactive experience that highlights the importance of collective creation.

How can independent public art contribute to political movements?

Independent public art can give voice to political movements by conveying powerful messages and providing platforms for activism, as seen in works created in response to events like George Floyd's death.

Why do some artworks, initially considered vandalism, end up in museums?

Over time, public opinion may shift, recognizing the cultural and historical value of independent public art, leading to its preservation in museums and galleries as important contributions to art and society.

What did Jean-Michel Basquiat contribute to the street art movement?

Jean-Michel Basquiat began as a street artist with the tag ‘SAMO’ and later incorporated street art elements into his gallery work, blending rebellious street style with high art, influencing both movements.

How does the mural created in Minneapolis near George Floyd’s death contribute to public discourse?

The mural in Minneapolis became a site of mourning and a symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement, with the community actively participating in its creation and adding tributes, making it a focal point for both remembrance and activism.

What does the Urban Art Mapping project reveal about the relationship between street art and protests?

The Urban Art Mapping project highlights the differences in street art created near protests versus farther away, with works closer to protests being rawer and more direct, while those further out tend to focus on broader ideals like change and unity.