With the rise of artists like Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Lady Pink, Swoon and a host of others, the Street Art genre has become the envy of the artworld. The types of ephemeral beauty that once graced publicly viewed industrial complexes now enlighten gallery spaces and illuminate auction houses with their frenetic energy, subversive themes and guerilla aesthetics.
Street art blurs the lines between reality and fiction, irony and profundity, reckless freedom and artful craft. The hyper-visual nature means it universally understood across countries and cultures; themes of class, politics, reality and even the nature of beauty itself as a form. From gorgeous, dynamic, abstract colors to emotionally charged, thought-provoking portraiture; tongue-in-cheek, sarcasm laden political irony to massive propaganda-esque social manifestos, street art has risen above the ranks of just being “graffiti”… it’s become a vastly satisfying expression of life and the times we live.
Whether you’ve followed this movement from the NYC Subways to the Sotheby’s auction house, or have just heard about it through the grapevine the best places to find out more about it are still from where the roots were laid. One of the most fascinating aspects of the street art genre is that while thriving in galleries, it continues to grow and evolve right where it began; in the heart of some of the biggest cities in the world. A tour around these cities with the right guide can get you exclusive access to the original backdrops, get you in touch first-hand with their inspirations, and point out the most revered up-and-comers in the street artist scene.
If you want to get hands on with street art, try these top 4 destinations:
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Wynwood – Miami, Florida:
Located in the Magic City of Miami lies Wynwood, a haven for artists and creatives to make a statement with unbelievable works of art. Over the years, Wynwood blossomed into a vibrant neighborhood with walls adorned by some of the most renowned urban artists. Each time you visit, you find yourself admiring new pieces as the murals are continually changing and evolving as artists float through. Stroll through Wynwood Walls, which features life-sized murals, abstract creations, and unique sculptures–including pieces done by the famous Shepard Fairey and Swoon. You’ll also want to don your best outfit because the fun patterns and intricate details provide the perfect backdrops for photoshoots. Wynwood Art Walk, held on the second Saturday of every month, is a fabulous time to explore the area. You can navigate the lively streets, taste delicious food at one of the nearby restaurants, and listen to live music. In order to witness all of the neighborhood’s breathtaking creations, take a private tour led by knowledgeable guides or artists that can shed light on the legendary work. After your tour, hop into a local brewery, indulge in some of Miami’s hottest restaurants, or visit the nearby Design District –the center of Haute design, innovative fashion, and incredible art galleries.
Wynwood is also a hotspot during Art Basel Miami Beach, attracting distinguished artists from all over the globe. Get a VIP pass and gain private viewings and early entree to exclusive activities all week. You can be the first to view and experience the highly anticipated show and acquire the finest works from emerging artists prior to the public opening.
Downtown Arts District – Los Angeles, California:
It’s no surprise Los Angeles is one of the greatest cities for exploring urban street art. L.A., aka the mural capital, is where concrete canvasses become stunning works of art. It’s home to elaborate paintings and internationally acclaimed contemporary urban art, especially in the Arts District downtown. If you’re looking to fill a wall at home with a one-of-a-kind piece, there are numerous independent galleries in the area. Venice Beach is another place to view the versatile urban art and is, of course, a perfect place for people-watching. Don’t forget to stopover at Mural Mile, which started as an art movement in 2012 as a group of artists revitalized the city with fresh coats of paint. There are now more than 50 remarkable murals in just a three-mile radius near Pacoima City Hall.
Friedrichshain & The Wall Museum – Berlin, Germany:
Berlin remains a hub for artists as it displays a versatile and rich urban art scene. Berlin street art originated as a way of creating awareness about socio-political issues. The urban art movement truly began to flourish after the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989. What were previously dull areas of the city became vibrant and lively. The East Side Gallery, where artists from all over joined in celebrating and painting, is one of the world’s largest open-air galleries. What remains of the Berlin Wall has become a canvas for artists to express themselves. Visit “the graffiti Mecca” and witness urban art developed over the decades, including pieces from the enigmatic Banksy. Take a private tour in order to grasp all the details and see the best of the city’s rich art scene. After you’ve taken in all of Berlin’s artistic treasures, enjoy the abundance of renowned museums and incredible nightlife.
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Roma & Condesa – Mexico City, Mexico:
Mexico City is overflowing with diverse styles of urban art, from colorful Mexican murals to historically significant street art. A few of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods include La Roma, The Centro neighborhood, Doctores, Condesa, and Juárez. Many of the pieces you can see today are from the ‘The All-City Canvas’ project in 2012. It was one of the world’s most important street art festivals and brought a plethora of painted murals and color to the city. Make sure you get to see all of the remarkable urban masterpieces by taking a private tour of the capital. Your eyes will dance from the bold colors and a fascinating mix of urban illustrations.
