From Vandalism to Collectable Art, Street Art has come a Long Way!
From it’s beginnings as graffiti tagging by gangs in the back streets of Philadelphia and New York, Street Art has come a long way and is now not only the fastest growing art genre but also serves a world wide market.
Where did Street Art start?
There is much debate about where street art started. Some say it started with the work of New York gangs in the 1920’s and 30’s, others grant the artist Cornbread with the accolade of being the first modern graffiti artist tagging the streets of Philadelphia during the late 1960s. When and wherever it started, Cornbread outperformed the creativity of his NYC rivals when at the age of 17, he scaled the fence of Philadelphia Zoo and spray painted “Cornbread Lives” on the side of an elephant in true rebellious street art style.
By the 1970’s and 80’s young people were responding to their socio-political surroundings, taking the right to express their views into their own hands. One of the pioneers of modern street art, American artist Keith Haring, started creating his iconic graffiti-style artwork in the streets of New York City in the 1980s. Haring’s bold and colorful murals often carried social and political messages, and he played a significant role in popularising street art as a legitimate form of artistic expression.
Soon after, street art moved from being the work of vandals and vandalism into the galleries and the global art market – earning its place in the contemporary art world.
The Street Artists of Today
Today’s Street Artists are undoubtedly inspired by the origins of graffiti, and the spray can remains the iconic tool of the street artist, but like the genre itself rules are few, and pieces can include stencils, 3d elements, gold leaf and more. Some artists have even turned their spray cans into sculptural art pieces – the ultimate in twenty first century upcycling whilst putting the tools of the artist into the hands of the art collector.
Banksy remains the most popular global art brand of our time, with his works changing hands for eye-watering sums of money.
To date his highest price piece “Love is in the Bin”, (shredded live at Sotheby’s just after being bought for $1.4m in 2018) sold for $25.4 million (£18.6m) in 2021, returning it’s buyer almost 20 times its pre-shredded price and nearly four times the pre-sale estimate.
Dondy White
Born in Brooklyn Donald Joseph “Dondi” White started tagging in the mid-1970s, mixing elaborate lettering with pop-culture imagery. He was the first graffiti artist to show in Europe, where his work is in the collection of several museums. Though he died of AIDS in 1998, his work continues to inspire street artists today.
Mr Brainwash
Mr Brainwash, aka Thierry Guetta is the fastest emerging street artist in history. French born and living in LA he is the cousin of famous street artist Invader. Bursting onto the Street Art scene after appearing in the Banksy Documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop, Mr Brainwash boasts a host of famous collectors such as Samuel L. Jackson, Al Pacinio, Pele, The Obamas, Rhianna and Lionel Richie, his works have continuously outperformed auction estimates, by 45% in 2022, with his Charlie Chaplin Pink selling for $122,500.
Now amongst the most sought after artists in the UK, Mr Brainwash collaborations include coming together with The Pope to create a canvas for charity, the album cover of Madonna’s third greatest hits album “Celebration” and a series of wall murals in Washington DC to celebrate International Womens’ Day with Michelle Obama.
Mr Brainwash Exhibtion
In an exciting chance to see his latest collection of originals and limited edition, FIZZ Gallery are host to his next exhibition – just 20 minutes from Bristol. This is a one day only exhibition on 26th October from 12 – 4 pm. Places are limited and this is a ticketed event (free) so head to our event page or call FIZZ Gallery on 01275 341141 to book your ticket.
Keith Haring (May 4, 1958 – February 16, 1990)
Emerging from the NYC subculture of the 19890’s Keith Haring blended street art and commercial art in a way that many hadn’t at the time. His instantly recognisable work and iconic characters such as the radiant baby and the barking dog, made him popular in the art world in the LGBTQ+ community. Keith sadly died from AIDS complications in 1990 aged just 31.
Lady Pink
Born in Ecuador and growing up in NYC, Lady Pink started writing graffiti in 1979 as the first recognised artist in a male-led subculture. With her first solo exhibition at the age of 21 she has been instrumental in the rise of graffiti art and today Lady Pink shares her 40 years of experience with young people, holding workshops and lecturing to students worldwide.
Jean Michel Basquiat
Perhaps one of the most gifted and tragic of street artist of our time, Jean Michel Basquiat’s work has influenced many since. His rise to fame was fast, short and sadly ended tragically with his death from a heroin overdose aged just 27.
Emerging onto the scene as one half of the renowned street-art duo SAMO in the late 1970s, Basquiat quickly garnered a cult following. He later embarked on a solo journey, refining a distinctive style characterized by compulsive scribbles, enigmatic diagram as well as cryptic symbols.
While Basquiat drew inspiration from diverse sources, his Caribbean heritage held a particular significance in shaping his artistic vision. In 1980, he made his first sale, with Debbie Harry purchasing one of his paintings for $200. Notably, Basquiat’s auction record stands at an astounding $110.5 million, achieved in May 2017.
Invader
Mosiac alien invaders have been secretly appearing all over the streets of Paris and beyond for the last 20 years.
The work by Parisian street artist Invader, is instantly recognisable, inspired by the 1980’s space invaders game and making use of the humble tile.
The value of Invader’s prints and multiples have experienced a 24% average annual growth rate over the last 12-months with an average price paid of £7,061. His record price achieved at auction is £945,258 for Astroboy, Tk_119.
Local street artists
The early 80’s saw the the arrival of tagging on the streets of Bristol. Then in 1983 the first street art mural appeared in Hotwells, created by 3D who is widley acknowledged as the pionner of street art in Bristol. Since then Bristol has become symonmyous with Street Art, home not only to Banksy, but to Inkie and Nick Walker and host of Upfest, Europe’s biggest Street Art and Graffiti festival – a 17 day cultural programme spread across the BS3 postcode of the city and well worth a visit.
Buying your first Street Art Piece
The Street Art market is huge so doing your research on the market and the artist is important, but first and foremost, as with purchasing any piece of art, buy it because you love it and connect with it. With the following tips and you’ll be able to make a purchase with knowledge and confidence.
Who is the Street Artist?
Are they a recognised artist, up and coming or an unknown?
The internet is full of information about Street Art and street artists. And the gallery or dealer you are potentially buying from should be knowledgeable about the marketing and the artist, their accolades and history. Unknown street and graffiti artists are fun to find and supporting them early in their career can make a big difference to them. Buying work by established or collectable street artists is just as much fun and can bring a real sense of achievement and pride.
Is the Artwork Authentic?
It’s important to ensure that the artwork is authentic to the artist. If it is an original make sure it is signed by the artist on the actual artwork (not on the mount or back of the frame). If it is a limited edition it should be signed and numbered by the artist. Always make sure the piece is accompanied by a genuine certificate of authenticity.
The Street Art market is full of fakes and imitations so be diligent. Some Street Artists have their own authenticating bodies who are responsible for identifying the artists legitimate work.
What is the Medium?
Is it an original, a limited edition, or something else?
Be sure of what you are buying. Reputable sellers will be open and transparent – if in doubt ask. Find out how it was created and what materials have been used. Be wary of cheap replicas – if it sound too good to be true it probably is!
Will Street Art suit your home?
What will the piece of art look like in your home? If you are not good at visualising then it might be possible to have the piece on home approval for 24 hours, or for the gallery to bring it to your home for you to see in-situ before you commit.
Is the Piece Within your Budget?
The price of Street Art varies widely depending on the artist and the medium. An original by an up-and-coming street artist can be a similar price to limited edition by a well known artist. Ask the gallery what else falls within your budget and make some comparisons.
Is the Piece Within your Budget?
The price of Street Art varies widely depending on the artist and the medium. An original by an up-and-coming street artist can be a similar price to limited edition by a well known artist. Ask the gallery what else falls within your budget and make some comparisons.
Where will you Display your Art?
Consider where you will hang the piece in your home:
- Which room?
- Is it somewhere you will see it regularly and enjoy it?
- Is there natural light?
- Is there strong light that might damage it?
- Would there be reflections from windows or lights?
Specialist glass is available to eliminate UV light and reflections so ask us in the gallery about this.
