Street art makes us go out and explore our surroundings further and further. Ever since the first painting on a wall appeared in Philadelphia, USA in 1968, urban artists have used their visual communication skills to send a message, share a feeling, or raise awareness.
Paintings and art installations can be found almost everywhere. They often become part of our travel stories by making us remember a certain street we passed by or a niche venue we stumbled upon.
I asked five fellow Google Moderators what’s the most memorable street art they’ve seen. Here is what they shared.
** @Sorbe :**I have visited many places in Europe, but nothing has the vibe and the magnetic appeal of Shoreditch—one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in London if you love street art. I visited this neighborhood at the end of October last year while the street market was open. I casually found myself on one of the free street art tours organized by Strawberry Tours to reveal the meaning and artists behind street art in the area. The guide was really well prepared and entertaining.
Many of the pieces were created by Banksy, one of the artists who put street art on the map. This is thanks to the provocative messages he sends out with his every creation. If you want to feel some of Banksy’s spirit, then Shoreditch is a place you can’t miss.
The artwork I’m sharing here, however, is by the artist Dred. It caught my eye because I thought it represented the transformation of a little child, looking at the world through heart-shaped glasses, into a confident, strong woman.
** @BorrisS :**In recent years, several street art illustrations have appeared in different Moroccan cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, and more.
The piece I’ve shared above is from the city of Asilah, Morocco. I chose it because it celebrates the Arabic alphabet and it beautifully presents Arabic calligraphy. Asilah is known for its white buildings located in the old part of the city near the ocean, where I saw this drawing. The colors stood out so nicely against the white varnish of the wall!
Many of the buildings there today are covered in beautiful paintings. There are often art contests organised to choose the best artists, who then get the chance to show their skills and talent on the streets of the city.
** @TsekoV :**There’s an art district in Beijing, China, considered to be one of the country’s symbols of freedom of creativity—Beijing 798 Art Zone. In the past, this area was a factory where many people worked and produced different machines. Now, the place has transformed into an outlet for creative impulses, allowing the new generation of artists to express their way of thinking, ideas, and emotions.
Beijing 798 Art Zone overflows with art. There is graffiti on the walls, various statues, countless interesting installations to see and even handmade souvenirs to buy. Everything is spread around the many small streets, winding pathways, railway tracks, as well as inside the different buildings.
There I felt the spirit of China from the last century, combined with a modern, surrealistic perspective, provoking people’s way of thinking. I still remember randomly going into one of the old factories and seeing half vanished Chinese slogans from the time of Mao Zedong, painted in red. I got goosebumps from the sudden shift to another era.
** @DanniS :**I came across this street art called “Night Walk” in Turku, Finland. It really stood out to me because of its vibrant color combination and story, which could be interpreted in different ways by the viewers. The details and precision of execution grabbed my attention, as I love details myself.
Another reason why I picked this piece to share with you, is because the artists behind it are two Bulgarian men, Arsek & Erase, who travel around Europe to create amazing art. They began doing graffiti in 2000 and gained popularity in Bulgaria.
Their drawing style, understanding, and point of view regarding colors have developed a lot during their years of experience with walls and canvases. They have also participated in numerous festivals in Bulgaria and around the world, making wonderful artwork. As a Bulgarian, I felt quite proud to see their piece in Finland, where I grew up.
** @IrrPavlova :**And lastly, my own personal favorite from Sofia, Bulgaria—a barefoot Bulgarian woman in a national dress, with a flower in her hair made of leaves, holding a loaf of bread.
The artist behind this masterpiece is called Nasimo. He is one of the most beloved artists in Bulgaria nowadays. In the last decade, he has created many works of art, filled with messages of peace, love, and hope. Nasimo uses a great variety of symbols, which carry additional meanings. He is famous for having real, inspiring people model for his paintings.
Why did I choose this specific artwork? Because it combines many lovable Bulgarian qualities in one single character: the traditional dress, representing the national identity; the big calm eyes, staring back at you with an all-is-going-to-be-fine look; the homemade bread, a staple food in Bulgaria; and the bare feet which connect humans to the Earth.
Is there a piece of street art that left a lasting impression on you? What thoughts did it provoke? Share with us in the comments below!
