Urban art

Urban art, also known in English as "Street Art", is a form of artistic expression that manifests in public spaces and has gained worldwide recognition for its ability to transform urban landscapes and communicate social and political messages. This artistic movement is characterized by the use of murals, graffiti, stencils, and posters, among other media. Unlike traditional art found in galleries and museums, urban art seeks to interact directly with the public in their everyday environment.

Urban art draws from various artistic influences, one of the most notable being the pop art movement of the 60s, which used popular images and commercial techniques to challenge conventional notions of art. Artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat are pioneers in bringing street art to galleries, establishing a bridge between popular art and the institutionalized art world.

Among the most representative artists of current urban art, Banksy stands out for his provocative style and incisive social and political critiques. His work, often executed with stencils and powerful messages, has captured global attention and elevated urban art to new heights of recognition and cultural value. Another notable artist is Shepard Fairey, known for his "Obey Giant" campaign and the iconic "Hope" poster of Barack Obama, which demonstrate the capacity of urban art to influence popular culture and politics. Invader, with his mosaic art inspired by video games, is another prominent artist who has brought urban art to a more playful and accessible realm.

Urban art has influenced various contemporary artistic movements, extending beyond the traditional boundaries of art. For example, it has impacted conceptual art by emphasizing the idea and message over formal aesthetics. Urban art has also left its mark on post-graffiti, an evolution of graffiti that focuses on individual creativity and experimentation with new techniques and materials.