At-Home Art: Street Art

Hey Artists!

I am officially declaring May Art History Month at Bakie! I will be spotlighting a genre (type) of art each week! Today, we are starting with Street Art, one of the most popular, common, and misunderstood forms of art! Enjoy! Oh, and don’t forget to check out my YouTube Channel, At Home with Ms. Tilton!

What is Street Art? Street Art is art that is created in public places (often illegally). Usually, we think of graffiti, like this:

But there are SO many different types of street art. For example, check out the patterns and colors of Street Artist Camille Walala:

Walala travels the world and gets PAID to create works of art in public places!

 

Now, you might be asking, WHY? Why do people create street art and often in places where it is not allowed?

Excellent question. Artists create art for all kinds of reasons. Some street artists do it simply for the joy it brings them or others. Sometimes artists can’t afford traditional art supplies but still feel the need to express themselves. Others create art in public places so that everyone can enjoy art, not just people who can afford to go to museums. There are also artists who have a message, something they want others to think about or understand. One artist that is famous for doing this is Banksy. Recently, Banksy created this piece of artwork in a hospital in England:

Look closely. What the artist trying to make you think about with this image? Discuss with a family member.

 

Street Art is thoughtful, beautiful, and powerful. We may be stuck at home, but you can still have fun with street art! Here are some ideas:

Bring light and hope to your neighborhood with some uplifting chalk messages!

Learn how to draw Bubble Letters! Create a “tag” or a piece of word graffiti on a piece of paper. Add color and place it somewhere in your house! (with permission, of course!)

Make virtual street art online at the Tate Kids website!

 

Whatever you end up making, take a pic and send it to me at atilton@sau17.net!