What is Street Art? Vandalism, Graffiti or Public Art.

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in an ephemeral and viral form of art that is marking urban settings around the world, and has developed a flourishing sub-culture all its
own. Now though, street art is going mainstream. Auctioneers,
collectors and museum directors are scrabbling to learn urban art
vocabulary and develop positions on the big street art
issues. In this primer post Art Radar gives you a heads up on what
you need to know.

What is Street Art?

There is as yet no simple definition of street art. It is an amorphous beast encompassing art which is found in or inspired by the urban environment. With anti-capitalist and rebellious
undertones, it is a democratic form of popular public art probably best
understood by seeing it in situ. It is not limited to the gallery nor
easily collected or possessed by those who may turn art into a trophy. 

Considered by some a nuisance, for others street art is a tool for communicating views of dissent, asking difficult questions and expressing political concerns. 

Its definition and uses are changing: originally a tool to mark territorial boundaries of urban youth today it is even seen in some cases as a means of  urban
beautification and regeneration.

Whether it is regarded as vandalism or public art, street art has caught the interest of the art world and its lovers of beauty.

Is street art vandalism?

In an interview with the Queens Tribune, New York City’s Queens Museum of Art Executive Director Tom Finkelpearl said public art “is
the best way for people to express themselves in this city.” Finkelpearl, who
helps organize socially conscious art exhibitions, added, “Art gets dialogue
going. That’s very good.” However, he doesn’t find  graffiti to be art,
and says, “I can’t condone vandalism… It’s really upsetting to me that people
would need to write their name over and over again in public space. It’s this
culture of fame. I really think it’s regrettable that they think that’s the
only way to become famous.”

Is street art illegal?

The legal distinction between permanent graffiti and art is permission, but the topic becomes even more complex regarding impermanent, nondestructive forms of graffiti (yarn bombing,
video projection, and street installation.)

With permission, traditional painted graffiti is technically considered public art. Without permission, painters of public and private property are committing vandalism and are, by definition,
criminals. However, it still stands that most street art is unsanctioned,
and many artists who have painted without permission, (Banksy, Shepard Fairey)
 have been glorified as legitimate and socially conscious artists.

Although it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to clearly define what unsanctioned imagery is art and what is not, the effects of such images can be observed and conclusions can be
reached regarding images’ function within a public environment.