What is Street Art?

 Street art is considered one of the largest and most rapidly growing art movements in contemporary culture. It is defined as a type of visual art that is displayed in public spaces, including buildings, streets, trains, and other surfaces that are accessible to the public. 

Street art can serve as a commentary on political and social issues, but it encompasses a wide range of styles, from spray-painted tags and stickers to knitted fibres wrapped around telephone poles. Some street art features stunning murals that enhance the visual appeal of public walls and ceilings. Regardless of the style, street art is intended to capture people's attention and convey a feeling, statement, or idea.

 The history of Street Art:

 Street art can be traced back to prehistoric times when handprints and paintings depicting hunting scenes were created on cave walls, representing prosperity and unity within small communities. However, the modern form of street art gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in New York and Philadelphia. Unlike the earlier wall paintings, the street art we recognise today has evolved significantly.

 In the 1920s and 1930s, during the infamous gang wars in New York, name-based tags and primitive graffiti began appearing on the streets as a way for gangs to mark their territories. The 1960s brought hardship to New York City, as the city faced financial struggles and nearly went bankrupt. Many local businesses boarded up their windows, but instead of seeing these buildings as eyesores, some inhabitants viewed them as blank canvases where they could express their creativity and frustrations about their current circumstances.

 During this challenging period, when many New Yorkers were struggling to afford necessities like food, street art provided an accessible means of artistic expression. It fostered a sense of unity and community, allowing people to engage with art without the need for admission fees. This grassroots movement eventually gave rise to the beautiful murals and expressive statements we see today, which continue to inspire fashion, music, and films. 

All about popular Street Artists and their work:

 Some specific artists have become among the most popular by creating street art. Despite where these people started, they have become some of the most influential artists. 

One of the most well-known street artists is Keith Haring. Born in 1958, this American artist rose to fame in the late 1980s for his graffiti-inspired pop art designs. For Haring, as with many artists, his work reflected his thoughts and passions. He used his art as a tool for activism, raising awareness about social and political issues such as drug abuse, AIDS awareness, and the threat of nuclear war. 

At a time when graffiti was often frowned upon by society and the law, Haring helped bridge the gap between high-end art displayed in museums and graffiti. He believed that everyone should have access to art and the feelings it evokes. Tragically, Keith Haring passed away at the age of 31 due to AIDS, but his artwork and the powerful messages within it will endure.

 One of his most popular pieces is titled "Crack is Wack," which he created in 1986 in New York.

This piece was created after Keith Haring's young studio assistant became addicted to crack. Haring noticed an increase in drug addiction among young people and, after witnessing his assistant's struggles, realised the negative impact it had on this demographic. He aimed to raise awareness about crack and other harmful drugs.

 The striking imagery features people praising and uplifting a skeleton, which suggests that Haring believed one aspect of the problem was the romanticisation of addiction. The skeleton serves as a clear link between death and crack, implying that victims of the drug are either literally dead or emotionally "dead" inside. 

The figures supporting the skeleton are depicted as lively and happy, yet their act of lifting the skeleton indicates that they are part of the issue, as they celebrate the poor condition of the skeleton. Another notable aspect of the image is the money the skeleton is holding, which implies that addiction leads to a multitude of problems beyond the physical.

 Additionally, the colour orange often evokes feelings of superficiality, arrogance, and pride. These emotions are prominent in the story conveyed by this piece.

All about Leeds 

My project focuses on Leeds, and I want to create a design that resonates with the community and instils hope. Just as Keith Haring uses his street art to convey political messages, I aspire to use my work to send a message of hope. To achieve this, I need to learn more about Leeds. Additionally, I want to celebrate the accomplishments of the city, so I've decided to explore those further.

 Through my research, I found out that Leeds has a vibrant street art scene with murals and installations, which makes the city colourful and aesthetic. I also found out that Leeds is very well known for its theatres and shopping markets. The grand theatre and opera house in Leeds are some of the theatres that range in theatrical performances. Leeds is also well known for its live music and festival venues, which attract lots of different people, from people who come to see a show to artists and performers going to perform at these venues. 

Leeds playhouse, located in leeds

Based on my research, I've determined that my sticker design needs to be colorful and vibrant to match the aesthetic of the city and its residents. Learning about the music scene in Leeds piqued my interest in notable artists from the area. I want my sticker to celebrate the achievements of Leeds and the amazing people who have grown up there. Through my research, I discovered that artists like Mel B and Corinne Bailey Rae are originally from Leeds. I am eager to find ways to incorporate this into my design to honor the music scene in the city.

Production