theartofbanksy.amsterdam

Placing Banksy in the historical context of street art

  Street art, while widely considered a relatively new phenomenon, has its roots in the distant past. From prehistoric eponymous drawings, to the politically engaged murals of the modern era, to the graffiti of urban subcultures of the 20th century, public spaces have always served as a platform for artistic expression. Among this rich history, Banksy holds a special place.

   The origins of street art


  Street art as we know it today began to take shape in the 1960s and 1970s, when graffiti began to appear on the walls of New York City. A street artist nicknamed Cornbread, considered one of the forerunners of graffiti, became famous for writing his name all over the city.

   Graffiti in the 1980s.


  In the 1980s, graffiti began to evolve, began to transcend the boundaries of simple "tags" and began to take the form of more complex and artistic murals. This period saw the rise of figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, who began their careers by painting on New York City walls.


   Banksy and 21st century street art


  Banksy emerged on the street art scene at the turn of the century, at a time when street art began to be taken as a serious form of artistic expression. His works, which combined elements of graffiti with stencil art, won international acclaim for their strong social and political messages.

  Banksy has influenced street art in many ways. His intricate murals and installations have raised the bar for what is possible in this form of artistic expression. His works, which often contain strong and provocative social and political messages, have shown that street art can be an important communication tool.

  At the same time, Banksy has also drawn on the legacy of street art, building on the tradition of graffiti and mural painting while transcending these conventions. Through this, he has become one of the most recognizable street art artists in the world.

  In conclusion, Banksy has an important place in the history of street art. His works, which combine the tradition of graffiti with new forms and techniques, have made him one of the most important street art artists of the 21st century.