Visiting Berlin has been a dream of mine for long, but an opportunity to visit this diverse city made me realize why Berlin is known as an art lover’s paradise.

Berlin has been around, in part, since 1237 AD, specifically the part known as Colln. Berlin itself is referenced in 1244. The city is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, being named “UNESCO City of Design”

Berlin also boasts nine castles, six manors, three active opera houses (the most in the world), and the longest open air gallery in the world. This gallery extends the length of 1,216 meters of a surviving piece of the Berlin Wall with 105 paintings from artists from 21 countries across the world.

A city nine times bigger than Paris, with more bridges than Venice, navigable by boat with over 180 km of waterways, four universities, four art schools, residents from over 184 nations, Berlin is one of the most fascinating and fun to explore cities in the world.

If you want to learn more about what’s written in the history books, you’ve got a city to conquer and explore, and that’s Berlin. Berlin’s rich history has spread all over the world, thanks to its legendary noble scientists, philosophers, and groundbreaking artists.

Many modern art movements owe a substantial nod to the art schools and artists of Germany.

Diverse in artistic expression

The Berlin Art Scene is very diverse from the authentic street art culture of East Berlin to the sophisticated contemporary art scene of West Berlin.

When they saw the other side of the wall for the first time, East Berliners were met with a riot of color and image done in ways they had never seen before. This sparked a street art movement in East Berlin that has evolved into a very deep and moving tradition.

A book store, Neurotitan located in House 39 hackescher markt is a must visit to see what Berlin has to offer in terms of creativity!

The artist BLU creates large scale pieces that have a puzzle like message that is poignant when you see it. The artist is creative and innovative in using street art to create wall painted animations on film.

The crew 1UP has gained popularity with their simple yet beautiful tags throughout the city in uncommon and hard to reach places. They have released a documentary called One United Power, the full name of their crew.

Roland Brukner, a.k.a. Linda’sEx, is a street artist in Berlin that gained media attention from the sad and mopey figures he painted that were pining for a girl named Linda. The city became so involved in the figure’s heartbreak that radio and television followed the story. Other street artists posted responses. Museums have since exhibited the story of Linda’sEx.

The artist Alias uses carefully drawn stencils to create work that is similar to that of Banksy. His work is usually a clever pun or message and is created to fit in with the environment.

Other areas of the city have artistic subcultures as well. West Berlin his home to the Neu West Berlin, a contemporary art space of nine stories that includes studios, ateliers, event spaces, show rooms, and exhibition rooms. There are over 80 artists that work in the space.

West Berlin artists regularly meet at Enzian, a bar that was founded as a refuge for punk and new age musicians but that has become a networking hub for artists of all types to work and inspire each other across mediums.

Hosts world-renowned museums and art spaces

The city hosts art with diversity in space as well. The Sammlung Boros collection is housed in a World War II bunker, featuring renowned contemporary artists with intimate tours of 12 visitors at a time.

The Haus am Waldsee is a fairytale like villa with an adjoining sculpture garden that not only shows the greatest contemporary art to date, but is also a platform for artists that currently live and create in the city. You can even view the private collection of German art collector Thomas Olbricht in his residential space. The collection contains works from the 16th century to contemporary pieces.

Museum Island on the Spree River is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to five museums housed within grand examples of exquisite architecture. A lot of street art can be seen all around Berlin that has an obvious, or sometimes very subtle, anti-establishment hint in it.

The Pergamon museum houses the Pergamon altar frieze from the Pergamon acropolis.

Built as an altar of Zeus, it dates to 165 B.C. Works housed in the other four museums on Museum Island include the Bust of Nefertiti, Byzantine art, Egyptian art, Biedermeier, and others.

The Neue Nationalgalerie is one of the most influential contemporary art museums in the world. It is a National Monument of Germany and includes 20th century contemporary art and sculpture gardens.

Art Fairs with international presence

The Berlin Art Week is annual celebration of art that takes place every September. During the month, the most important art fairs in Europe. Hundreds of galleries take place in this yearly event.

Preview Berlin, an art fair that takes place in various locations, often shows work from not only emerging artists, but art students in addition to the major players in the contemporary art scene.

Art Berlin Contemporary has recently changed from a curated show that was by invite only to a full-fledged art fair that brings in curators from the world’s leading museums such as the Tate and MoMA.

Berlin’s art week is a well-organized even that also includes performances, lectures, and social receptions for networking amongst gallerists, artists, curators, and collectors.

In addition to the obvious reasons that Berlin is a visual art lover’s paradise, visitors to Berlin will be exposed to all of the culture and diversity that influences art also influencing food, music, architecture, and the performing arts.

Have you visited Berlin, if so would love to hear your thoughts.

The post Why Berlin Is The Most Fascinating And Fun To Explore Art City In The World appeared first on The Artist.

Banksy, who is an anonymous street artist, challenges traditional artistic norms and the established art world through his subversive and politically charged creations, which are widely recognized for their uniqueness and impact.” For some people, his art is impressive, thoughtful, ironic, and humorous while for others they consist of just plain vandalism of property No matter your opinion, these 50 iconic and famous Banksy artworks will no doubt leave you in agreement that Banksy is talented at what he does.

1.Banksy Valentines Day Marsh Lane Piece – Bristol 

On Thursday the 13th of February 2020, this artwork appeared on the side of a building in Barton Hill just overnight.

Residents discovered the workaround 6:20 in the morning where a child, possibly cupid, is shown with a slingshot shooting flowers above her.

2.Escaping Prisoner – Reading Prison

This graffiti work shows a man dressed in a prisoner’s outfit scaling the side of the Reading prison with a rope. 

Underneath him, there is a chain made of paper coming out of a typewriter, where some consider this to be an allusion to the poet Oscar Wilde. 

3.Hula Hoop Girl – Nottingham

This piece shows a young girl hula hooping using a bicycle wheel while the real bicycle is chained to a lamp post nearby. When asked, a local shop owner spoke about a blacked-out van parked in the spot, which sat there for two hours. The artist is said to have winked when asked who he was.

4.Banksy Reindeers

In the Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham at Christmas, these reindeer are painted on a wall and appear to be pulling the bench that homeless people use as a bed.

The purpose of the painting is to empower those who sleep rough and draw more attention to them.

5.Season’s Greeting

This piece is located on two sides of a garage, where it seems to show a child playing in the snow at Christmas time.

However, on the other side, there is an image of a burning bin – the “snow” the child is playing with is in fact ash and dust from this fire.

6.Million Pound Banksy Art Left in Shreds

Perhaps more of a stunt than an artwork. Once, when a one-million-pound piece of Banksy art was being sold at an auction, the piece shred through an inbuilt shredder – now considered to be one of the most famous Banksy artworks.

This was much to the surprise of the guests, who all wondered: Was Banksy there? 

7.The Mild Mild West – Bristol

Many people consider this piece to be referring to the Bristol riots in the 1980s. It could also be a reference to the 1990s, there were apparently many unlicensed parties occurring in Bristol at various warehouses around the city, where police assaulted many people who attended such parties.

8.Rage, Flower Thrower – Jerusalem (One of the widely shared artworks of Banksy)

Created in Jerusalem in 2003, this work is considered to be one of the most famous Banksy artworks, represents a symbol of peace and hope to many people, especially in the face of destruction, death, and calamity. Although the rioter is throwing a Molotov cocktail, it is instead a bunch of flowers. 

9.One Nation Under CCTV – London

One of the artist’s largest pieces, it is unknown exactly how he managed to pull this off. This would have been especially difficult considering the work appears to be right next to a CCTV camera.

He would have needed 3 stories of scaffolding just to get to the level required, as well as through a security fence.

10.This Is Not A Photo Opportunity – Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

White stenciled words “This is not a Photo Opportunity” are placed 40m up a path in the Cheddar Gorge in Somerset.

Although it has been eroded since it first appeared sometime around the year 2004, the outline of the words is still visible today.

11.Bomb Hugger 

This artwork features a young girl hugging a bomb. The point of the work is to symbolize the horror and dangers of war juxtaposed with the innocent life of a little girl.

Both inherent good and evil are shown here when peace should be the only way.

12. Snorting Policeman – London

Perhaps a dig at the immoral practices and corruption that the police force sometimes adheres to, this artwork is often accompanied by several miles of dribbled paint leading to the stencil.

It has appeared in several places across London but gets taken down fairly quickly too.

13.Sweep it Under the Carpet – London

This art piece, one of the celebrated Banksy paintings, depicts a maid sweeping dirt from the floor under a cover hiding a brick wall.

Most notably, it is suggested that this piece represents the denial and the reluctance of western countries to deal with a variety of different global issues, sweeping them under the carpet.

14.Child Soldier – Los Angeles, USA

A recurring theme of children and weapons, the child soldier with a machine gun appeared in Los Angeles in the USA in 2011.

The point was to highlight the innocence of children being corrupted with weapons, especially in some countries around the world where this occurs.

15.Guantanamo Bay Detainee – London

Many terror suspects are detained in Guantanamo Bay, and this piece by Banksy is meant to show the secret war on terror that has taken place during the actual war on terror declared after the events of 9/11.

Ultimately, the society we live in is not a free one.

16.Slave Labour – London

During the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, this Banksy graffiti work shows a child laborer working.

This work, however, was to produce union jack bunting for the event. The piece was removed quickly by a group auctioning Banksy’s work. 

17.Kissing Coppers – Brighton

Banksy’s work often has it in for the police, but this piece is also aimed at homophobic people.

Brighton has a large population of gay people, so the positioning of this piece was intentional. Following several vandal attempts, the piece was removed and sold by the owner of the pub.

18.Police Sniper – London

Next to a police sniper on top of a building, there is a small boy positioned behind him. The paper bag about to be explored by the child is bound to give the sniper a shock.

This piece was originally positioned opposite the Bristol Children’s Hospital but was replaced once someone vandalized it.

19.Lenin Punk – Weston-Super-Mare

Amongst the groups of people, Banksy’s art picks on, choosing world leaders and dictators to mock is a common theme.

The ex-Soviet dictator Lenin was given a punk rocker makeover by Banksy in 1997 outside a public toilet in Weston-Super-Mare.

20.Cash Machine Girl – London

In this work, Banksy has produced an image of a young girl being grabbed by a cash machine, and the art in its current form was first seen in 2007.

It has been suggesting that the art’s message is one of anti-capitalism, where Banksy is decrying banks and the methods, they use to bring in their customers.

21.Follow Your Dreams – Cancelled – Boston

Depicting in this work is an average-looking painter, who has painted the words “follow your dreams”.

However, it would seem following your dreams is not always possible. He looks quite sad because the word “cancelled” has been stamped over his work in a striking red box. 

22.Rodeo Cowboy Kid – New York

Rodeo Cowboy Kid was first spotted in New York. Making use of a big hole in the building’s paintwork, Banksy recommissioned the wall for his purposes, painting a small cowboy riding the hole in the wall as if it was a bull.

23.There is Always Hope – London

This is often considered to be Banksy’s most iconic piece of work. The words “There Is Always Hope” are written near a young girl, who is reaching for a heart-shaped balloon.

Many have debated over the years on the purpose of this work, but most settle on ideas of love, the innocence of children, and hope.

24.The Thinker Monkey

This work is considered to have been a canvas work before it ever became a graffiti work.

This thinking monkey seems to suggest the intelligence of other beings, and Banksy may be poking fun at humans who consider us to be the only ones with intelligence. All the same, a thinking monkey may just be played for a laugh.

25.Keep your coins, I won’t change – Melbourne.

This piece, one of the famous Banksy artworks, was found in Melbourne, Australia. Depicted is a homeless man who does not want physical money but seeks real, lasting social change.

The ability to change one’s life and circumstances are far more valuable. However, this may or may not be a product of Banksy, and it has never been confirmed. 

26.If Graffiti Changed Anything, it would be Illegal – London.

The graffiti artwork depicts a rat with red paint on its paw and a red paw print on the wall next to him.

Banksy painted the phrase “If Graffiti Changed Anything, it would be Illegal”, a possible swipe at the government and how voting as an individual never changes anything.

27.Flying Balloon Girl

Painted on a wall in Israel’s West Bank in 2005, this is one of Banksy’s most well-known and most political messages.

Many people who view it consider it to be a piece that comments on the innocent children who are stuck in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, longing for freedom from the fighting.

28.Interest in People – Toronto 

Appearing on the side of a clothing shop, this Banksy piece depicts a salesman. This production is an undeniable jab at our capitalist societies where the respect for our sales and our goods often outdoes our respect for people.

This graffiti was painted over by the staff of the store, only a few days later.

29.Ghetto Boy

This work shows a small, young boy in street clothes in the Ghetto, holding onto his teddy and a music blaster. Below him, a dance mat is painted onto the pavement.

During this time in 2009, there was apparently a lot of child involvement in the gangs of the area, and many consider this piece to comment on this.

30.GCHQ Government Spies Telephone Box – Cheltenham 

This artwork shows a group of individuals in the 1950’s garb listening to a conversation in a telephone box. This technique was exposed by a former CIA operative and the house where this is painted on is close to the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters. 

31.Napalm Girl

Napalm Girl was created in 2004 by Banksy and it shows an image of the girl from the infamous photograph of the napalm bombing during the Vietnam war.

Juxtaposed with the distraught child are Ronald McDonald and Mickey Mouse, an attack on consumerism and the life of children.

32.Stop and Search (Girl and a Soldier) – Bethlehem

This artwork was produced by Banksy in Bethlehem in 2007. Instead of a soldier frisking a child, the viewer notes a role reversal where an innocent child is seen frisking an armed soldier.

Although it has been faded over time, this work is still able to be seen in Bethlehem.

33.Hammer Boy – Manhattan, New York

In 2013, Banksy had a “New York Residency” for his art and this creation was produced during this time. In this work, Banksy made use of features around the work to supplement his unique style and produces a young boy with a large mallet hammering away. 

34.Peaceful Hearts Doctor – San Franciso

In this piece produced in 2010, Banksy depicts a traditional doctor alongside a heart and a peace symbol.

The work was covered in plexiglass at one point to preserve it, but it has since been vandalized by people pouring black paint into the glass.

35.Looting Soldiers – New Orleans

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, widespread looting occurred across the city of New Orleans. This work is a comment on the looting that occurring in the wake of the disaster.

Since its production, it has been damaged, and the building’s owner is seeking to have it restored.

36.If at First, You Don’t Succeed – San Fransico 

“If at first, you don’t succeed – call an airstrike” are words brazenly written on this piece.

Accompanying them is a young man in a gas mask and is the artist’s attempt to comment on the United State’s willingness to strike any country that slights them and hence forms a list of iconic works by Banksy

37.Cave Painting Removal – London

Produced in a designated graffiti area by Banksy, it was soon covered by other works in the tunnel, as is the case with designated areas.

It lasted for a total of four months and depicts a council worker cleaning up ancient cave paintings. Banksy suggests that people who do not understand art will often destroy it.

38.Blank Walls are Criminal

Banksy here in this work makes a comment on how blank walls are just empty, boring spaces until they are decorated by something better.

Although it is not 100% clear that this was produced by Banksy or a different street artist, most consider this work to have been produced by Banksy.

39.No Future

Just one week after this work was discovered on a private residence, it was painted over by the building’s owner. The words suggest that there is no future for the child, whereas the balloon on the O of no suggests happiness and joy for children.

Thus, this piece of work produces a dark and sad picture for those who view it. 

40.Aerial Flower Girl by Banksy – Los Angeles

In our technologically advanced world, there are many devices that can distract children. This is certainly the suggestion with this Banksy artwork, where a young girl is tended to a TV aerial as one would with flowers.

The aerial itself has grown and sprouted, suggesting kids pay too much attention to television and hence forms a list of iconic works by Banksy.

41.Abraham Lincoln – New Orleans

An image of Abraham Lincoln was painted by Banksy in New Orleans. He created this work on the third anniversary of the hurricane which devastated the city, commenting on the slow pace of reconstruction by officials.

In this work, Abraham Lincoln is depicted as a homeless man, even more, poignant due to the damaged building he was painted on.

42.Death of a Telephone Box – London

Although most of Banksy’s work centers around graffiti art, he was also known to produce installations. The broken telephone box featured in this installation was stuck with an ax and set in a pool of blood.

It is most often considered to be a comment on the death of the telephone through the rise of social media, but an alternative consideration could be a change in telephone design away from the traditional red phone box and hence forms a list of iconic works by Banksy

43.Fridge Kite – New Orleans

In this graffiti, the viewer sees a child flying a fridge in the place of a kite. The main suggestion behind this painting is that it represents the hunger and poverty many children face.

Despite this, the child is still finding joy in childish things and flying their kite in the wind. 

44.Girl with Skipping Rope – Brooklyn

This work of art is comprised of two separate pieces. This half depicts a girl with a long green skipping rope seen moving across the ground, where it connects to a different painting.

It was made in Brooklyn but was vandalized by someone who splashed paint onto it.

45.Mobile Phone Lovers

This artwork was produced close to a boys club in Bristol and is said to have caused quite a stir. The club’s owner intended to raise funds from the artwork, but the local council claimed the door for themselves instead.

The issue is said to have been resolved once Banksy sent a personal letter to the club owner giving permission to use it for a fundraiser and hence forms a list of iconic works by Banksy

46.Waiting in Vain – New York

This graffiti artwork by Banksy was produced in New York and was painted over the rolled-down shutters of a club.

This work shows a man with flowers who appears to have been stood up by a woman, possibly one of the workers from the club. The owner removed the work to display inside instead.

47.Policeman Searching Girl – Glastonbury

Young people are up to all sorts of mischief, and so when the police introduced a “stop and search” policy to search young people, Banksy jumped in and criticized the move.

This artwork appeared in 2007 where a small, young child with a teddy bear was being frisked searching by a policeman. Unsurprisingly, it has been painted over and hence forms a list of iconic works by Banksy

48.Mona Lisa with Rocket Launcher – London

Many parodies have been made of the Mona Lisa, and as the famous painting of all time, this is not surprising. In this artwork, Banksy has repurposed the Mona Lisa to be a terrorist holding a rocket launcher.

Although it has been spotted in various locations, it is unknown whether these were all the artists ’ doing.

49.I do not believe in Global Warming – London

Global Warming is a worldwide issue, and this piece is incredibly simple in its depiction, suggesting that the waters of the world are rising.

In Banksy’s eyes, the UN climate summit has failed to deal with global warming properly and the words in this piece are shown to go below the waterline and hence forms a list of iconic works by Banksy

50.Dove of Peace – Bethlehem

Oftentimes a symbol of peace, this Banksy artwork in Bethlehem was produced in his series of works in the West Bank of Israel during 2005. The Dove depicted here in his work conjures up images of peace and security.

However, it is dressed in a bulletproof vest with a red target from a gun placed on its chest, suggesting the exact opposite.

Concluding the list of famous artworks of Banksy..

There are many more Banksy artworks where this list came from and it would be amiss to suggest that this list is anywhere near complete. Banksy has produced many works over his career, and although many have been lost to repainting and people who do not understand the art, there are many more that persist.

Street art and graffiti, whether we agree with it or not, have certainly got a valuable position in the art world and are uniquely positioned to comment on the world around us.

These iconic works of Banksy do just that, and it is very likely he will continue to make comments on the world around him for the years to come. Also, check out Infographics: Why Street Art Graffiti Is Super Powerful?

The article contains sponsored affiliate links from Amazon to valuable resources.

The post The World of Banksy: 50 Iconic Artworks of Banksy appeared first on The Artist.

Some of the sculptures mentioned in this article were commissioned by city authorities to either commemorate the rich history of the towns or celebrate the works of notable writers, artists, and activists who contributed great efforts for fundamental causes.

Behold sculptures and figures that made an impactful mark around the world. Some of these sights took decades in the making! Installations such as Chicago’s ‘Cloud Gate’ or ‘Statue of Liberty’ are now identified as city markers.

Such feats would not be possible without the tremendous vision, perseverance, and sparkling curiosity of below mentioned artists and sculptures who’ve turned streets into attractions, hills into symbolic sights, and political agendas into murals.

Each sculpture was born from a unique story and stories continue to be the leading force behind amazing and even bizarre ideas.

Prepare to be mesmerized by 50 of the most fascinating and inspiring public art around the globe!

1.The Singing Ringing Tree by Mike Tonkin

 The Singing Ringing Tree beautifully curated by artists Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu in 2006, sits majestically in the Pennine hill range overlooking Burnley, England.

The 10 feet tall structure is composed of rows of galvanized steel cylinders in such a way that it resembles the shape of an actual tree. Here’s the real magic though – when the wind passes through the sculpture, a tune can be heard almost as if it is alive and singing.

In 2007, the structure was dedicated to the National Award of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

2.Les Voyageurs by Bruno Catalano

Les Voyageurs, sculptures of two men with missing torsos holding travel bags in Marseilles, France, is both an ode to new beginnings and a nod to completed journeys left behind. French artist Bruno Catalano evokes sorrowing feelings and memories every traveler feels when migrating to find a home in a new place.

The gravity-defying sculptures carry an air of melancholy and are said to be inspired by Catalano’s real-life nomadic lifestyle, with him traveling, sailing, and moving all his life.

3.Non Violence by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd

Non Violence, also cited as The Knotted Gun, by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd was completed in 1985 and aptly placed by the United Nations Secretariat Building in New York.

The sculpture is a gun with the front end twisted up in a knot. Reuterswärd fashioned this display soon after the murder of his friend, John Lennon. It is a stirring display symbolizing peace and hope for a future free of violence.

4.The Shoes on the Danube Bank by Can Togay

A sight of sadness for most and trauma for some, The shoes on the Danube Bank, by Can Togay and Gyula Pauer, commemorates the tragedy of World War II where hundreds of Hungarians were ordered to leave their shoes on the bank before getting shot.

The strip, completed in April 2005, features 60 pairs of shoes, all made of iron and attached to the stone embankment. 

5.Frank Kafka’s Head by David Cerny

The mechanized kinetic structure of Prague’s most celebrated literary figure Franz Kafka by artist David Cerny is one of the most mesmerizing installations in the world.

Frank Kafka’s Head or ‘Metalmorphosis’ was completed in 1991 and sits in downtown Prague close to where Kafka worked during the day. The bust is a reflection of Kafka’s inner mental torment, capturing the ‘mad genius’ syndrome that plagued him for life. Most of Kafka’s written works revolved around the themes of anxiety, alienation, and absurdity.

The bust is made up of rotating layers of stainless steel that twist randomly and fall into place uniformly to reveal Kafka’s face before disintegrating again. It’s a phenomenal monument mimicking traditional clockwork.

6.The Flying Balloon Girl

Touching tribute to freedom, The Flying Balloon Girl, imprinted on the West Bank Barrier, Palestine, by Banksy in 2005 is a true icon of hope.

The art is an image of a young girl ascending upward holding on to floating balloons. Banksy, a pseudonym for a street artist whose identity is a mystery, is known for leaving prompting imagery based on themes of escapism, barriers, and peace.

7. Declaration by eL Seed

Declaration by eL Seed, a spiraling fuchsia 3D model of Arabic calligraphy is a sight for sore eyes in Dubai Opera, UAE. eL Seed is a renowned French-Tunisian street artist and calligrapher who dedicated this work as an ode to the city he calls home.

The sculpture, completed in 2018, showcases a line from a poem written by the Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum that reads ‘art in all its colors and types reflects the culture of the nations, their history, and civilization’.

8.Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate or ‘The Bean

Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate or ‘The Bean’ as it’s now called is a hot tourist spot in downtown Chicago, USA, and a real identifier of the city. The reflective structure was unveiled in 2006 and since then has become a popular hustle and bustle pit stop that pulls a lot of crowd in.

The gigantic 33 x 66 x 43 feet structure was born from Kapoor’s attempt at playing with shapes and experimenting with new architecture perspectives.

9.The Architectural Fragment

The Architectural Fragment, a Melbourne favorite, was designed by Petrus Spronk as part of the Swanston Walk Public Art Project in 1992. The structure is shaped like a monument sinking into the ground outside the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

The word ‘Library’ is etched in a half-buried manner on the top of the sculpture in gold leaf. Spronk was inspired by the ancient architecture of Grecian buildings in Samos as well as Pythagorean calculations founded by mathematician and philosopher, Pythagoras, who belonged to the Island of Samos.

10.Nelson Mandela by Marco Cianfanelli

Nelson Mandela by Marco Cianfanelli is a deconstructed monument that portrays the side angle of the political leader, Nelson Mandela. The structure rests along the road in Howick, a town in South Africa, where Mandela was captured in 1062 by the apartheid security police.

The jagged steel vertical columns mark 50 years to Mandela’s arrest hence 50 columns. Aptly, at first sight, they resemble prison bars but drawing in reveals the shape of his face. The South African artist calls his work ‘Release’ based on the notion of freedom but also on the movement of light in and out the structure from where one stands.

11.The Yellow Pumpkin

The Yellow Pumpkin is an unexpected sight on a beach located in Naoshima Island, Japan.

The sculpture is one of the many similar ones by a female artist, Yayoi Kusuma, who carries an eccentric vision for what art should look like. The pumpkin is of a vivid yellow shade dotted with black spots giving it a very ‘pop’ effect.

It is placed at the edge of a pier facing the most expensive resort on the Island, the Benesse Hotel. Though Kusuma is now recognized as the world’s top-selling female artist, she had a rocky road to fame. Depending on therapy and art to battle mental health challenges, her usage of polka dots on bright color palettes is symbolic of fighting the darkness.

12.Parda Marfa

If you were to cross Highway 90 in the Chihuahuan desert of Texas, you would be a witness to the duo Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset’s Brainchild Prada Marfa. The mock biodegradable store, set up in 2005, is a proper boutique showcasing several Prada bags (without the bottom) and 20 right-heeled shoes. The fake store is meant to wither away over time reuniting with the earth and is the artists’ bold take on commercialism and gentrification. 

13.Gustav Vigeland’s 200 mesmerizing life

Gustav Vigeland’s 200 mesmerizing life-like sculptures can be found in the world’s largest sculpture park in Oslo, Norway. The landmark was completed in 1949 – 6 years after the artist passed away, unfortunately.

The bronze stone and wrought iron figures depict mankind in all stages of life from birth to death, experiencing joy, tragedy, fear, and so on. Visitors can see the stone figures playing, couples in love, a man struggling with parenthood, warriors, women dancing, and just about everything that life does and does not celebrate including violence and anger. Vigeland wanted each onlooker to resonate with each emotion represented.

14. Teddy Bear

A rather odd sight for an airport, a giant yellow teddy bear rests under a large lamp in the middle of Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar. Swiss-born artist, Urs Fischer is a fan of contemporary art and practices photography, painting, sculpting, and installation. The 23 ft. tall sculpture looks to be made of regular stuffing but in fact, is created from cast bronze. It was purchased in an auction by a member of the Qatar Royal family for a whopping $6.8 million in 2013.

15.Jacob’s ladder by Gerry Judah

Jacob’s ladder, designed by artist British-based artist Gerry Judah, located in Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park, New Zealand is a noteworthy mention. The majestic white tower completed in 2012, stands 111 ft. tall and resembles a silhouette of a floating scarf.

Crafted from a hundred horizontal steel tubes of different lengths placed on top of another, the structure comes together as a curving, shape-shifting body. Overlooking the scenic park, it really is a wondrous sight to behold.

16.Floralis Genérica By Eduardo Catalano

Renowned Argentinian architect Eduardo Catalano’s Floralis Genérica is a commendable work of design. An enormous mechanized structure shaped like a flower sits in a pond outside the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The 43 ft. petals of steel and aluminum open each morning to reveal 4 stamens and closes every sunset since establishment in 2002. It was become a hugely popular photo-op site for visitors and tourists alike catching the demo at dedicated hours.

Catalano is lauded for his understanding of architectural elements of space and structure. 

17.Puppy By Jeff Koon’s Artist

Jeff Koon’s Puppy might be more than just a cute furry pet. A 43 ft. high structure of a West Highland Terrier that was built outside of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain in 1997, sports a flower garden growing over 70,000 flowers in 44,000 lbs. of soil.

The image of the monument has become the national souvenir of Bilbao, being featured on mugs, towels, and miniature figures. Jeff Koon is known for making his mark with mega artworks like flowers and balloon dogs in loud colors that pop in the landscape. 

18.Eight-Legged Spider By  Louise Bourgeois

Another creature guarding the gates of Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain is a freakishly real eight-legged spider. The overpowering structure designed by Louise Bourgeois in 1999 is a terrifying sight but holds a personal connection to Bourgeois herself. The spider, Maman, is meant to be protective of her eggs the way a mother shields her children.

The 30 ft. mammoth structure is a reference to her childhood, having to deal with an absent and unfaithful father while relying on the support of her loving, bearing mother. The spider balances on the slenderest of legs, revealing both strength and vulnerability alike. 

19.First Generation By Chong Fah Cheong

First Generation, a sculpture of young boys at the edge of the bridge jumping into a river is a breath of fresh air by artist Chong Fah Cheong. Located in Singapore, the river is an important marker in the history and development of Singapore. Crowds of youngsters used to swim in this river before the 80s era. The work was commissioned by Singapore Tourist Council in the year 2000 as an attempt to depict the period of olden Singapore heritage. 

20.The Wings of Mexico by Jorge Marin

The Wings of Mexico is one of the most “Instagram able” spots in Dubai, UAE. Mexican artist Jorge Marin sculpted the angelic wings in 2018 overlooking the regal view of the grand Burj Khalifa. The wings celebrate triumph, dreams, and the potential of the human spirit. The structure looks extra ethereal during the hours of the night at the heart of downtown Dubai.

21.The Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree by Antonio Navarro Santafé

The Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree is a touching tribute by sculptor Antonio Navarro Santafé to the history, culture, and identity of Madrid, Spain. Established in 1967, it represents the city’s coat of arms and is the subject of great folklore. The 13 ft. tall statue of a gigantic bear coming up to a tree in search of fruit can be seen in the public square of Puerta del Sol.

22.The 600 ft. mural of Black Lives Matter by Sophia Dawson

The 600 ft. mural of Black Lives Matter by artists Sophia Dawson, Patrice Payne, and Vijay Mohammad is the largest display of protest through artwork across the streets of Manhattan New York. All letters either highlight a political statement or lament the black individuals who fell victims to systemic racism rooted in the country. This was one of the many murals created across US cities as a solidarity effort following the unjust death of George Floyd in 2020.

23.The sculpture of Brazilian Formula 1 race car driver by Ayrton Senna

The sculpture of Brazilian Formula 1 race car driver, Ayrton Senna, is Paul Oz’s most impressive work to date. In a 1994 race that took place in Italy, the Formula 1 champion was killed in a fatal car crash. Some 3 million people gathered on the streets of Senna’s hometown to mourn and pay their respects. The life-size 60 kg bronze statue that took Oz 12 months to complete was unveiled in 2019, marking 25 years to Senna’s death, and now rests in Barcelona, Spain.

24.Shedding light By Jeff Koon 

Shedding light on another one of Jeff Koons’ public art, the Balloon Flower is a shiny red structure of the most polished stainless steel shaped like a knotted balloon. It sits in a fountain right next to the new One World Trade Center, New York City, and was created as a homage to 9/11 survivors. The glossy installation is definitely an eye-catcher in the vicinity.

25.The Force of Nature by Lorenzo Quinn 

The Force of Nature by Lorenzo Quinn is a daunting statue of what appears to be Mother Earth swinging planet earth with all her might. Quinn’s inspiration lies in the havoc created by hurricanes and wanted to personify the natural occurrence. Currently, there are 4 of these sculptures around the globe – in Shanghai, New York City, Doha, and London.  

26.The Angel of North by Antony Gormley

The Angel of North Britain’s largest monument, The Angel of the North, was modeled by sculptor Antony Gormley after his own body in February 1998. The Angel was a figure of much controversy when constructed but once it found a home in the town of Gateshead, UK it became an identifying symbol of the region. It is deemed as the largest angel structure in the world, weighing 200 tonnes and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art. 

27.the Statue of Franz Kafka

Another sculpture commemorating Franz Kafka can be found in Prague’s Dusni Street where Kafka spent most of his life – also featured much in his stories. Czech sculptor Jaroslav Róna based the Statue of Franz Kafka on a scene from Kafka’s debut novel, Amerika (1927), in which a very tall, headless figure partaking in a rally is supporting a political candidate on his shoulders. Róna completed this piece in 2003 – According to Kafka, the scene in the book signifies the description of a struggle. 

28. Giant ogre-like creature By Ervin Loránth Hervé

Thanks to artist Ervin Loránth Hervé, there is a giant ogre-like creature that’s ascending from the ground with a violent, frightening expression in Budapest. The behemoth stone structure is the attraction of Budapest’s Szechenyi Square where it’s seemingly breaking through the earth. It catches the attention of many tourists and passersby alikeand hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art.

29. The Freedom Sculpture by Zenos Frudakis

Like straight out of a theatre play, the Freedom Sculpture by artist Zenos Frudakis curated in 2001 is a poignant ode to breaking free. Located in Philadelphia, the structure is embedded in a wall with 4 mummified figures, all alluding to one figure trying to release in 4 steps. Upon seeing the composition from left to right, we can judge that the locked figure struggles to tear the hold and is finally victorious in the last frame. Frudakis conceptualized this piece from a personal internal struggle of his own but understood this to be a universal desire and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art. 

30.Alberta’s dream by Jaume Plensa

Alberta’s dream by the Spanish-born world-famous artist Jaume Plensa depicts a bronze figure of a man slouching on the ground, hugging a trunk of a tree in Calgary, Canada. The statue is engraved with the names of Alberta’s cities with ‘Edmonton’ across the front body and ‘Caligary’ on the back. The sculpture is said to have deep political and social references but the true meaning is yet to be known.

31.Green’s Horse bust By Nic Fiddian

Nic Fiddian-Green’s Horse bust is a real sight of majestic grace. Located in West Sussex, England, the structure stands a staggering 35 ft. tall. According to Green, the bust represents the bond between man and horse, with a horse having ‘a greatest effect on man’s destiny. This is one of the many horse structures of Green’s, with several of them depicting the animal face down drinking water, symbolizing tranquility and peace and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art .

32. A-maze-ing Laughter By Yue Minjun

The statues of ‘A-maze-ing Laughter’ are the subject of much excitement in Vancouver, Canada. The sculpture of 14 bronze-cast men laughing in harmony designed after the artist, Yue Minjun, himself has become a local landmark drawing in flocks of visitors and tourists.

The installation was exhibited at the Vancouver Biennale exhibition from 2009-2011 and was gifted to the public of Vancouver by a donation from Chip and Shannon Wilson. The statues are more than just frozen smiles but symbolize the concept of individuality and self-expression.

33. Mustangs By Robert Glen

Robert Glen’s Mustangs will always remain the talk of the artistic sphere. The sculpture of magnificent horses galloping across a body of water just outside of Dallas, Texas. Commissioned to create the piece in 1976, Glen spent a year just researching the behavior, structure, and anatomy of horses. On September 25, 1984, the installation was assembled in a public square, eight years after the conception of the idea. The 9 majestic wild horses are now renowned as the largest equestrian sculpture in the world and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art .

34. Digital Orca by Douglas Coupland

Something out of a video game, Douglas Coupland’s masterpiece, Digital Orca, is an interesting sight of a killer whale mid-leap at the Vancouver harbor overlooking the mountains of Cypress Provincial Park. The structure is fashioned in such a manner that it looks completed pixelated to the naked eye. Commissioned by the city of Vancouver, the piece was completed in 2009. Coupland wanted to create a whimsical sculpture that people could enjoy marveling at and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art .

35 . Les colonnes de Buren By Daniel Buren

Inside the Palais Royal, once the home of Cardinal Richelieu, Former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of France, lies a courtyard of contemporary installations of black and white striped columns called Les colonnes de Buren. Spaced at intervals, with each cut off at different heights, the work of Daniel Buren was a subject of much controversy when set up in 1986. The columns, comprised of marble, are meant to unify the past, present, and future by embodying a deeply historical relationship of underground and street Paris. Though, the sight does appear to be in friction with the 17th-century architectural landmark.  

36.Inside Australia By Antony Gormley

Step inside the largest outdoor gallery, Inside Australia, curated by the ingenious, award-winning artist, Antony Gormley in 2003. Lake Ballard, near Menzies in Western Australia’s Goldfields graces onlookers with one of the most wondrous sights to behold. On the west of the 70-miles long shimmering salt lake appear 51 stick-like figures rooted on plain land. The cast black chromium steel sculptures represent the local residents of Menzies. Gormley wanted the sculptures to be viewed from all angles clearly hence, the leveled ground chosen. The figures are spaced out at 500m and provide the perfect backdrop to the lake, white sand beaches, and Western Australia’s breathtaking landscape and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art . 

37.The sculpture of Cumil the Sewer Worker By Viktor Hulík

The sculpture of Cumil the Sewer Worker of Bratislava, Slovakia is an endearing one. Camil is one of the many statues that Slovak sculptor Viktor Hulík installed as per the city’s request to enhance the look and feel of the town, post-communist period in 1997. The statue appears to be resting his head outside the manhole it is emerging from. His name Cumil actually means ‘watcher’ in Slovak. He welcomes the town passerby with a charming smile and calm aura. 

38.The Dandelion Lights by Mirek Struzik

The Dandelion Lights placed along the Dubai Opera road overlooking the Burj Khalifa are the stuff of fairytale. The 14 whimsical flower structures designed by sculptor Mirek Struzik in 2017 glow in the evening with magical iridescence. The intricacy of the structure along with added light effects has lent itself to become an audience favorite. The large-scale, electropolished stainless steel structures provide an organic sight juxtaposed to the lean and modern infrastructure of the Burj.

39. Stravinsky fountain in Paris by Jean Tinguely

The quirky yet amusing Stravinsky fountain in Paris, France steals all hearts. The disorderly sight of silly, colorful, sculptures resembles the look of a circus. The genius of sculptor Jean Tinguely and painter Niki de Saint Phalle put together elements inspired by Igor Stravinski’s 20th-century classical music – a display of red lips, a treble clef, a mermaid, and other unconventional animal figures that are mechanized and spray water from the fountain. The attraction was unveiled in 1983 and has been the most photographed in the vicinity. 

40. Love Me sculpture By Richard Hudson

Another monument decorating the vicinity of Burj Khalifa, Dubai is Richard Hudson’s Love Me sculpture. The glorious three-dimensional, heart-shaped sculpture is made of mirrored steel and weighs 7000kg. Hudson describes the sculpture as a symbol of peace and love that transcends all boundaries. The 5 meters tall and equally wide structure was unveiled in 2019 and now sits outside the Dubai Mall attracts thousands of crowds and photo captures alike and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art . 

41.Escadaria Selarón by Jorge Selarón

Escadaria Selarón or the Selarón steps in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is one of the most striking staircases in the world. Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón has humbly paid this tribute to the people of Brazil. The artist who found a home in the Lapa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro in the ‘80s had noticed the stairs near his residence needed renovation. Little by little, he began covering the steps with bright, patterned tiles mostly bathed in colors of Brazil’s flag – yellow, green, and blue. His pastime turned to a passion project and started gaining attention around the world; people started sending him tiles of their homeland to be embedded in the staircase marking it as a poignant harmonization of unity and culture. The 215 steps are a marvelous sight to lay eyes on.

42.The East Side Gallery

What was once the Berlin Wall is now an open art gallery 1.3 km long showcasing some of the most vivid, thought-provoking, and interesting works of art. When the wall came down in 1989, 118 artists from 21 countries congregated to paint the East Side Gallery.

What manifested were a series of political and social statements depicting freedom and visual protests against extreme regimes. The 1316 meters long remnant of the Berlin Wall was given memorial status in 1991, a year after it was declared as an open-air gallery officially and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art . 

43.Parc Guell by Antoni Gaudi

Parc Guell deserves to be called one of the most fascinating sights in Barcelona, Spain. The 45-acre park meticulously designed by the pride of Spain, Antoni Gaudi, in the early 1900s is the largest public art installation of all time – rich in most exquisite architectural elements. The park features pillared monuments, animal sculptures, and curved walls of the most eye-catching ceramic tiles. The park was initially meant to be a luxury residential complex but the idea was dropped and a famous public attraction was developed. Some 2.9 million tourists visit to enjoy the park each year.

44.The Statue of Liberty by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi

A monument that needs no introduction, the Statue of Liberty in New York is one of the most famous figures in the world arguably. A gift from France to the United States to celebrate 100 years of Independence, the 305 ft. structure took French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi 13 years to complete. To date, the statue of the Roman goddess is seen as a universal symbol of freedom. The colossal structure made of copper with a framework of steel rests on New York Harbour in Liberty Island and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art. 

45.The Sail by Mattar Bin Lahej

Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej’s calligraphic structures called The Sail standing on waters outside the Address Beach Resort, Dubai is hypnotically stunning. The sail reads the following quote from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – ‘The future will be for those who can imagine, design, and implement, the future does not wait for the future, but it can be designed and built today’. The reflective structure stands 5m high and is curved like a small sailboat.

46. La Défense, Paris By César Baldaccini

When walking through La Défense, Paris, expect to be towered by a giant sculpture of a thumb. Designed by sculptor César Baldaccini in 1965, the thumb stands over 40 ft. tall and weighs more than 18 tonnes. Every crevice and crack on the thumb appears realistically visible. César often liked to work with his hand impressions and create absurdly enlarged structures out of them that have now found a home in many museums and parks around the world. His method of creation? Fashioning objects from scrap metals and industrial materials and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art.

47.Forever Bicycles By Ai Weiwei’s

Ai Weiwei’s installations will always have one thing in common – bicycles. Weiwei assembled a three-dimensional structure of 1200 bicycles on Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park in Austin, United States called Forever Bicycles. The installation with cycles stacked in huge numbers resembles a large honeycomb. The art was the Chinese artist’s ode to his childhood when he traveled across Beijing on a bicycle. The magnitude and repetitiveness, on the other hand, alludes to China’s mass production which fuels the manufacturing industry. The installation, however, was removed from Austin due to insufficient funds required to maintain it.

48. Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg

Art can be whatever it wants to be. There is no better example of this than Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen’s Spoonbridge and Cherry. In the heart of Walker Art Center’s Minneapolis Sculpture Garden rests a giant spoon with a cherry at the tip of it that sprays water into the spoon. The fountain, made of aluminium and stainless steel, was completed in 1998. The cherry alone weighs a shocking 544kg. The playful and iconic structure was inspired by Van Bruggen’s happy memories of childhood during World War II.

49.By the sea In The Year 1997

Sydney’s By the sea annual exhibition is a must-visit attraction for art lovers and adventurers alike. The Bondi beach welcomes visitors to explore the world’s largest sculpture exhibition that stretches 2km along the coastal line. The exhibition features over 100 fantastic and intricate art pieces by Australians and other artists across the globe. The free exhibition has been running every year since 1997. 

50.Clothespin By Claes Oldenburg

Clothespin, designed by Swedish-born sculptor Claes Oldenburg is an enormous peg located at Center Square, Philadelphia. Oldenburg is noted for his attempt at radically altering everyday objects that have eventually now become outdoor monuments. The 45 ft. tall clothespin is meant to be a reference to bridging income level gaps and hence is the Most Fascinating Public Art. 

Conclusion:

Stepping off this adventurous journey into the sculpting world of creative geniuses, may your knowledge lead you to visit these well-known landmarks around the world someday.

These artworks help us widen our imaginations, piece together their formations, and reinstate the very fundamental characteristic of art – it can be anything one wants it to be.

That’s possibly the reason why people associate these sculptures with their cultural identity and continue to maintain their upkeep.

These iconic structures evoke joy, positivity, curiosity, and even sensitivity among onlookers but most of all remain memorable in the hearts of many generations. Do you wanna check out 7 Most Powerful Works By Jeff Koons.

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Some street artists might unapologetically say that street art is the greatest art movement of our time and others could care less what the art community thinks. It’s not for the gallery – it’s for the masses – to entertain, to move, to bring about thought and change.

Either way, it likely is the most provocative movement of our time. Whether the art is whimsical, or if it grounds itself in anger, images of the art go viral or are seen offline in person by thousands daily. Its messages of beauty or of truth reach people of all demographics.

The meanings and messages it leaves behind are thought bending.

Good things aren’t always beautiful. Beautiful things aren’t always good. Ugly can be made beautiful. Beautiful can be revealed as ugly.

Street Art sends strong messages from the sidewalk to the world at large

Using iconic imagery that is often recognizable regardless of language, the street artist is able to speak his opinions and solutions to a global audience, making this a rapidly advancing form of art the world over. Fans of particular artists have made a movement of uploading pictures of the artist’s work on social media as he trips around the world leaving his mark in several countries. In the case of mobile street art – such as on trains and vehicles – the art itself travels. Major print and television media outlets follow high profile or subversive street artists and broadcast their art to large audiences.

Street art isn’t limited to the street itself. It grows up and around walls, on the sides of buses and subway cars, the trunks of trees, and even on traffic signs and lights. Any kind of outdoor public medium can be morphed to express a message through the artist’s vision.

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]A lot of street art has an obvious, or sometimes very subtle, anti-establishment hint in it. The very mediums it uses, owned by states or corporations, are protected by law from the artist but are used without regard or in spite of it. That illegality is often a part of the message.[/quote_colored]

For millennia, people have been desecrating public buildings and spaces with their written or drawn opinions of authority figures, celebrities, and even their own friends and lovers. Archaeologists have found Roman inscriptions that mirror what’s written on the wall in our modern bathrooms.

In more recent ,mmtimes, the hobos of the early 20^th century made a language of images and symbols to communicate with each other. This language was most often found on trains, in rail yards, and on buildings near train tracks. It was from this that modern Graffiti was born.

Graffiti is, according to art historians, the direct predecessor of street art. In the 1950s and early 60s, subversive youth took the train car hobo’s medium and began to use it to relay their own messages, opinions, and to establish group territories. By the mid 60’s, an element arose that began to evolve a movement through it to speak about the current political and social turmoil of the time. Often the art spread anti-establishment messages through comic and satirical images.

Since the 1960s, street artists have grown in their passion and the resulting work has bloomed in its visual aesthetics. Early graffiti was limited to three or four basic colors of spray paint and had to be executed quickly to avoid the authorities. Modern street artists use an array of colors – or even gray scale – and don’t always limit themselves to spray paint.

Street Art Draws Culture to the City

Street art is so much a part of its environment that it not only becomes a part of the city landscape, but is born out of it symbolically and in its composition. The meaning of the work is often anchored in the place it is found in, as a commentary on the social balance of a neighbourhood or business district. The lines, angles, and brushstrokes form naturally around or in concert with the objects they are made on.

A crack in a wall becomes a river of division in a painting visualizing the separation of rich and poor, a crumbling wall is filled in with Lego bricks, or a natural vine or bush becomes the hair on a portrait painted on the wall beneath it.

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]Outside of the symbolic meaning of a piece, the art adds beauty or comic relief to areas of a city that are often either cold and characterless, or poor and unmaintained. By providing a visual break from the reality of depressed neighbourhoods or depressing industrial and business areas, street art gives its audience a moment of amusement, reflection, or validation.[/quote_colored]

The sudden appearance of some street art can even bring about change by spurring action in a society that has grown complacent, or by calling for a change of perspective from an establishment such as the government or a business that hasn’t recognised or acknowledged the needs of the people. Street art also inspires people to beautify the environment and draws in people that might not otherwise visit the area. This can lead to economic shift and cultural change.

Street Art offers mystery and exploration as reward

Inquisitive urban explorers are often the first to find new street art.

A subset of street artists like to hide their art in secret places. This could be as simple as painting a piece on a staircase that can only be seen from one angle to as difficult as gaining access to the basement of a long abandoned factory. The artist himself gets a taste of forbidden thrill and the subsequent explorer gets the ultimate reward of visual treasure.

Rather than falling back on the taste and judgement of a gallery or museum curator, the art explorer becomes a participant in the culture of street art, taking the active role of seeking and discovery upon herself.

Street art connects with everyone

Coming off the back of postmodernism, street artists have the ability to influence thought and restructure ideals without the limits of space and material. It lacks the desperate need to be heard and pretentious intellectual exclusivity of prior art movements. Street art can communicate ideas in an original piece that another artist may respond to or expand on with another nearby work or an addition to the one already existing. Public spaces grow and change and so then does the art on them. New artists respond to the change so that street art is ever evolving. A single piece of street art can grow in any endless direction, both metaphorically and physically.

This freedom allowed the artist and the viewer the mental space to think about the meaning of the work and the physical space for the artist to expound on the thought or for another to respond to it. A complete visual conversation can go on and on. Puzzles, trickery, satire, hidden humor, and other mind benders are often worked into the art, making it a delight to see over and over.

Street art’s former graffiti reputation as destructive vandalism has mostly disappeared. As the art form gains the notice of the art world elite, and more importantly, the masses, there is hope of success for the artist in his life and even the immediate future.

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]Artists are now recording the art as they execute it and play the performance on the web, thus generating cash flow. Some street art is only viewable by inserting a credit card in a structure in the wall that covers the art work. The audience pays to play and the artwork is revealed. Yes, technology has entered into art scene [/quote_colored]

There is an argument here that paying a cover charge to view what was subversive in its infancy takes something vital away from the experience. The opposing thought would be that the great artists of the past didn’t live to reap the millions of dollars their pieces are worth now, but rather scraped by penniless until their deaths and that it is only fair for the artist to receive something back for the gifts he has given to many.

Street Art is not vandalism anymore. Street Art is attitude

Street art has proven itself to be a true expressive art form. It is not an inferior form of political outcry nor is it the indifferent rebellion of a disaffected youth. Street art thinks, feels, and evokes thought and emotions in the people that view it with an open mind. Street art is executed with purpose and design with technique and intention. Street art heightens our experience of the visual landscape outside museum walls.

(Below is a short excerpt from This is Street Art Untitled III by Carpet Bombing Culture)

Street is cool.
Street is sharp. It’s being in control.
Attitude, individuality, EDGE.
Street is city blocks humming hip hop corner beats harmonizing defeat and victory.
Street is black, yellow, white, red and purple.
Worry, financial mishaps, and credit cards.
Street is struggling and juggling two jobs – rolling high, earning dirt.
Street is vampires sucking blood from the weak.
Clean, dirty – smelling of trash and posh cologne.
Street is frustration – living from one man’s hand to his neighbour’s mouth.
Expensive and dangerous. Soft drinks and hard liquor.
Warring for truth, uniting in adversity.

Street art is art.

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When we think of graffiti, the words slanderous, defiling and rubbish may come to mind.  A lot of street art has an obvious, or sometimes very subtle, anti-establishment hint in it. Street Art from the Islamic Republic of Iran is by no means different, it has become part of city’s landscape, delivering strong messages symbolically to everyone around.

The powerful messages of peace, love, and hope in a country torn apart by internal conflicts are represented by Iranian street artists through their art, and mostly these works grow in all endless direction, both metaphorically, conceptually and physically.

Filmmakers Zeinab Tabrizy and Paliz Khoshdel decided to start the initiative through their film Mutiny of Colours, to give the world the perspective from the Street Artists view.

Street Art in Iran is viewed very much the same way the rest of the world views Graffiti Artists.  The public and government believe that they are out to destroy property and make a nuisance of themselves, that their works reflect a Satanic and evil expression.

Iranians are not spinsters on expressing their feelings on all aspects of political, social and cultural aspects of their life.  The Iran Islamic Revolution in 1979, as well as the Iran Green Movement of 2009, saw many Iranians marching the streets, voicing their opinions and plastering the walls of Iran with their effectual messages.  This, according to the Street Artists, is similar to how they are communicating their thoughts and vision while maintaining their way less violent and more influential.

By using the medium of art they feel they can reach a greater audience and influence a wider band of people.

Through the movie, the Directors have approached various Street Artists, who has stronger reasoning behind their beautiful and powerful depiction of their messages.

Five artists were identified as the main contributors to the film and while they hide their faces behind masks, when being interviewed, in fear of being arrested, they are resolute in bringing their compelling messages alive through their skill. Each of these five artists has a very different message and a manner in which they express it on the walls and buildings of Iran.

One of the main contributors is CK1, who, by using Iranian literature shows his anti-war stance.  Omet draws on his childhood, stating that because he was born in the time of Iranian upheaval, he wants to reach out to the youth in the community.  Brothers, Icy and Sot, are all about peace and friendship.  And finally Lady Green reveals the synergy between government-sanctioned murals, over times of war and discord, to her graffiti-style work.

Many famous artists have supported the film’s passion and purposes, such as Faith47, Isaac Cordal and Blu, to name but a few.

The Mutiny of Colours documentary relies heavily on public contributions and while it is an on-going work, starting off in 2012, they are still looking for more funding.

Street art has proven itself to be a true expressive art form. It is not an inferior form of political outcry nor is it the indifferent rebellion of a disaffected youth. Street art thinks, feels, and evokes thought and emotions in the people that view it with an open mind.

Take a look at their compelling trailer and consider a small donation.  The cause and consequences could be huge for the Iranian population.

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Sharjah, the third largest UAE’s district, exudes passion and excitement, especially in the art scene.

As a visitor, the beauty within the walls of Sharjah will amaze you and keep you coming back for more.  Your soul will be touched by the charisma and charm of all that is Sharjah, the now Cultural Capital of the Arab world.

Whether you’re an enthusiastic art lover or merely a quiet appreciating bystander, you will not be able to resist the richness of all that Sharjah has to offer.  With over twenty museums, you’re spoilt for choice, but don’t let the walls of a museum stop your cultural experience.

The Sharjah Biennial introduces one of the finest collections of contemporary art, where all the beauty this event can enchant every art lover from across the world.  Allow Sharjah, one of the first emirate’s to celebrate art biennale, to bedazzle you.

Maraya Art Centre has become one of the most talked art organizations.  A non-profit art entity that has given birth to many projects, but one that stands out is their newest project called Jedariya.  Jedariya is meant to incentivize community through powerful art movements. Jedariya promotes the youth to get involved in art in any form and on other levels require them to raise awareness for vital causes by actively participating.

Under Jedariya’s leadership, the MYNEANDYOURS (Mine and yours) project was born, which is all about beautifying the city with magnificent street art. Street artists are commissioned to decorate, with their own personal style, the streets of Sharjah.

Adventurous and bright colors adorn the very walls and buildings of most of Sharjah, bringing the city to life in a most majestic manner.  The artists, through their mediums, hope to mimic life in UAE, so that all the residents and visitors can savor the taste

Marwan Shakarchi was one of the first artists behind the Myneandyours project.  Many, from around the world, have viewed his famous marshmallowy clouds with crosses for eyes

The playful and colourful array of clouds splashed across a field of wide diagonal stripes has become a mural of positive thinking for all the public.  Shakarchi wanted to inspire the viewer to look up to the skies, brighten their day with strong colors and believe they can dream big.

And who wouldn’t?

The playful nature of the childlike clouds would inspire anyone to dream big dreams.

His choice of medium was huge-scale stencils and rainbow colored spray paint.  High up on a secured platform, he took 10 days, working for 12-hour stints to finally complete the magnificent masterpiece.  The masterpiece scales in at 78ft x 91ft and cannot be missed on the building wall.

Art has always transcended the bridges of language and the message of the street art of Myneandyours hits home no matter where you come from in the world.

Stepping out onto the sidewalk of life, powerful messages of hope, love, and faith are displayed.  Unlike the confines of an art museum, catering to a select few who are privileged enough to view the history, street art caters to the masses, allowing all that can afford a trip to the United Arab Emirates, a view of this modern and perhaps a significant step in art practice in the Middle East

Street Art is Powerful. The meanings and messages it leaves behind are thought bending.

No matter your religion, your beliefs or your upbringing, to view such raw and viral expressions on such open surfaces, is truly a blessing.   What better way to bring the world goodwill messages than through the fearless, gallant and personal language of art.

It is hoped that Sharjah will continue to honour the beauty of street art and in turn allow our youth to bring their messages to the world.

After all, it is the youth that should be leading our world forward.  Often overlooked, most times dismissed, graffiti or street artists, don’t get their pound of flesh in the art arena.  Via Maraya Art Centre, the Jedariya project and Myneandyours initiative, they can express freely without offending.

Often overlooked, most times dismissed, graffiti or street artists, don’t get their pound of flesh in the art arena.  Via Maraya Art Centre, the Jedariya project and Myneandyours initiative, they can express freely without offending.

This is only the beginning and we look forward to new artistic voices to come forth into Sharjah and UAE, to send strong messages from the sidewalk to the world at large

The post MyneAndYours – Honouring the Power and Beauty of Street Art in Sharjah appeared first on The Artist.

Good things aren’t always beautiful. Beautiful things aren’t always good. Ugly can be made beautiful. Beautiful can be revealed as ugly. Street Art is one such super cool art where it’s meanings and messages are much deeper and thought-bending

Check out art infographics on five reasons why street art is super cool

Most of the top street Art and Graffiti Has A Remarkable Attitude, Satire and Creativity . A lot of street art has an obvious, or sometimes very subtle, anti-establishment hint in it. The very mediums it uses, owned by states or corporations, are protected by law from the artist but are used without regard or in spite of it. That illegality is often a part of the message.

For millennia, people have been desecrating public buildings and spaces with their written or drawn opinions of authority figures, celebrities, and even their own friends and lovers. Archaeologists have found Roman inscriptions that mirror what’s written on the wall in our modern bathrooms.

Street art’s former graffiti reputation as destructive vandalism has mostly disappeared. As the art form gains the notice of the art world elite, and more importantly, the masses, there is hope of success for the artist in his life and even the immediate future. Street Art plays a major role in adding soul and personality to its existence. Berlin is one such fascinating city for street art, where large-scale, puzzle-like street art works can be seen all around the city.

Street art has proven itself to be a true expressive art form. It is not an inferior form of political outcry nor is it the indifferent rebellion of a disaffected youth. Street art thinks, feels, and evokes thought and emotions in the people that view it with an open mind.

Street art is executed with purpose, design with technique and produced with intention. Inquisitive urban explorers are often the first to find new street art. So, next time if you are around Rio, Berline, Prague or New York, find some time to explore the magic of street art.

The post Infographics: Why Street Art Graffiti Is Super Powerful? appeared first on The Artist.

But what about a destination with a proven history of colorful artistic expression? How about a place that has not only survived the atrocities of international conflicts in the twentieth century and prior, but emerged with a stronger sense of purpose and identity?

A living history of architecture, art, and culture, Prague is a must-visit city for anyone with an eye for the sublime

The bustling capital of the Czech Republic, Prague has become one of the most visited cities in all of Europe. One among many adoring tourists, you will rapt by the splendor of the city and its history.

8 Top Art and Culture Attractions in Prague

My short visit was far from enough to fully acquaint myself with Prague, but my time in the city was one of deeply inspiring exploration.

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]Now, for one who loves to go outside the usual sightseeing circuit and if you’re interested in something a little different, these top 8 art and culture attractions in Prague will definitely entice you[/quote_colored]

1. Febiofest

Before diving into the lovely architecture and breathtaking natural wonders, get a taste of where one expression of art stands at Febiofest, Prague’s annual showcase of contemporary cinema. In the festival’s twenty year history, it has hosted an impressively diverse set of films from the amateur to works by respected lifelong devotees to the medium.

A visit to this place will indulge you in the presence of challenging, genre-bending works that spoke as much to the viewpoints of the filmmakers as the culture of Prague itself.

In Prague, however, art can be found in every corner, every alleyway, every tunnel. It welcomes the visitor to explore and makes no effort to hide what makes it unique, revealing itself willingly as one navigates the clean, sensible city layout.

2. Lennon Wall

Though not known for its street art as much as many of its European neighbors, there are a number of gems to be found intentionally or serendipitously.

Lennon Wall is one such place. Located near Charles Bridge, its history is as striking as its present appearance. Though many nowadays are content to post their dissenting views on governmental policies on digital walls, youths of the 1990s had no such recourse and instead took to literal walls with their complaints.

The wall had served as a place of peaceful protest in the 1980s, displaying art and lyrics referencing pacifistic John Lennon of the Beatles. In the following decade, police clashed with students as the art turned more outwardly critical of the government’s communist policies. Today it still stands as a testament to the power of art against oppressive rule.

More famous than the anonymous protestors of the Lennon Wall, the works of Pasta Oner can be found scattered throughout the city. 

Oner has become a renowned figure within the city’s art scene and his works can be seen in areas as diverse as Dejvicka Metro Station to the up-and-coming neighborhood of Holešovice, home to the Dox Centre for Contemporary Art and widely hailed as the next area to watch for an artistic explosion.

3. Palmovka

Not far from another metro station, Palmovka, I happened upon a mural of famed Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal.

That’s the sort of city that Prague is; you stumble out of the train station and immediately find yourself face-to-face with some of the most impressive murals standing.

Hrabal’s works have been translated into languages spoken by worldwide audiences, so it’s no surprise that the modern-day graffiti artists would wish to pay tribute to this influential figure. In fact, the former site of the author’s home now hosts a giant mural of Hrabal and his cats, with selected quotes from his novels left by artists.

4. Seidl Museum of Photography

Of course, not all art is fit to be left out on the street.

While in Prague, I visited a handful of museums and galleries. One of the most impressive and yet somewhat obscure was the Seidl Museum of Photography. Nestled away in a quiet villa, it would be easy to miss this one, and yet any traveler should make the effort to stop in and witness the beauty of Prague captured in the still image.

5. Architecture

Stepping back to take a look at the bigger picture, you’ll be surprised by the architecture of Prague.

Having survived the conflicts that destroyed many of Europe’s architectural treasures, Prague has taken great care to preserve and restore its historical sites. Buildings representing centuries of growth and beauty stand side-by-side with modern wonders, each as impressive and edifying to the eye as the next.

You’ll see a diverse mix of Bohemian, Rococo, Baroque and Classical style around the city, and anyone from the casual observer to a dedicated student of architecture could spend years studying the timeline of styles coexisting in the compact capital city.

6. Vysehrad

Among the numerous architecture wonders, this one needs special mention – Vysehrad, a fort predating the Czech Republic by approximately 1000 years, speculated by many to be the initial settlement that would eventually blossom into what is now known as Prague. 

Within the fort is the serene National Cemetery, the resting place of many of the nation’s most famous sons and daughters.

7. Alternative Art

A must vist art gem in Prague.

David Černý’s eclectic Meetfactory, a renovated factory that now hosts projects of all wild and imaginable kind. You’ll find resident artists of various kind, design exhibits, music festivals, tattoo workshops and theatres, acompanied by many galleries and art houses

8. Pertin

If you’re ready to venture outside the city, then try the forest of Petrin

An otherworldly place, these forests are a wonderful place to experience the natural beauties that existed long before the first brick was laid. For the traveler willing to explore, these forests hide a man-made wonderwork in a cave tucked away near a small hill. I felt humbled to experience the beauty of this sacred place, a site named

For the traveler willing to explore, these forests hide a man-made wonderwork in a cave tucked away near a small hill. I felt humbled to experience the beauty of this sacred place, a site named Argondia created by the famed artisan Reon. The entire cave served as Reon’s canvas in creating this ethereal space, and I could have easily gotten lost within the splendor of the experience.

The entire cave served as Reon’s canvas in creating this ethereal space, and I could have easily gotten lost within the splendor of the experience.

The beauty of Prague cannot easily be expressed in few words. It is something that one must see and truly feel, and you’ll leave in awe and gratitude that you were able to visit this incomparable place.

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]Home to an arts culture all of its own, a standing history within its architecture, and world-class cuisine and fine beer, every step in Prague is like discovering a treasure no one has ever seen before[/quote_colored].

It’s a place I hope to visit again, as Prague inspires and creates a mystical curiosity that I feel will never be satisfied.

Courtesy : Featured Illustration by Petra Hämmerleinova http://www.haemmerleinova.de/

The post Off The Beaten Path : Top 8 Art and Culture Attractions in Prague appeared first on The Artist.

He’s the creator of unprecedented works within the land art movement; he paints directly on desert rock. His big projects take several months to complete and require years of meticulous preparation. The works of this man are highly recognizable.

This Belgian-born French sculptor began to paint stone in 1975 in the Cevennes Mountains. Since then he has done a series of open-air-workshops. Each of his projects has been a masterpiece and (almost always) better than the last.

Have you heard of concepts such as land art, earth art or environmental art?

Jean belongs to artists who are proponents of this style – earth art – have decided that using a traditional canvas is too mainstream, so instead they pick natural landscapes as a canvas.

Taking nature as canvas, these artists play with volume, mass and space to create monumental artworks. They use grandiose elements of nature served both as a canvas and setting for artists in search of the exceptional.

Every project of this kind is a grand endeavour and requires a lot of time and money to prepare. Oftentimes materials have to be transported to remote locations where the artist can create his vision for the place.Lots of painting materials, tools, scaffolding, and more are needed in order to complete a project of this proportion, not to mention all the food and supply required for the survival of the camps. Indeed, in most cases the locations are so remote that camps are required to sustain the artist and his supporting crew.

This is never easy, which makes it all  more impressive.

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]The artist says, “I set out to accomplish my purpose in becoming an artist; to express myself; liberate myself, to create and invent without concerning myself with rules, schools, laws, genres, precedents, permits and the empty striving for honours.”[/quote_colored]

In 1987, he travelled to the Tibesti desert in the north-east of Chad and spent several weeks searching for a site which sent out the right “flows, waves, call it positive, sensual vibes”. He found the perfect location a circular area almost 2 kilometres in diameter and surrounded by rocks, at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Then he set about making his preparations.

This was an undertaking of colossal proportions and took almost two years to prepare: after obtaining the official permits required for the legal completion of this project, he had to arrange the transport of all painting materials he needed to the site. We’re talking about 1500 canisters of paint, custom-made especially for this project, paint sprays, compressors, scaffolding, tools, supporting equipment, and more. This was just the beginning, though.  There was also a camp to be made for the survival of the entire crew for the length of the project. Tents, food, water, and petrol, all of this in a several-month supply, transported in the desert.

They also had to adapt to the living conditions, themselves. As you probably know, the temperatures during the day are very high, but they can drop below zero during the night. All of these challenges have to be carefully considered and proper planning has to be made in order to execute the project without any problems (or more like with as few problems as possible).

Jean worked there from March to June 1989. Using spray pistols, he painted large patches of blue, red, black, violet, and white on rocks, some of which were 30 meters high.

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]The result was a sight to behold.[/quote_colored]

This incredible work of art has to be seen and cannot simply be described. Imagine walking through the lifeless, barren desert. There is nothing around – the whole landscape is monotonous and empty, and all of a sudden you see something you never expected to see. Some of the rocks bear different colours. There’s blue, and red, and violet, and black.

You start to think that you’re hallucinating, and this is exactly what it seems to be happening. But you’re not hallucinating. This is reality. And it’s beautiful. The contrast is so vivid that you can’t stop staring at it.

[quote_colored name=”” icon_quote=”no”]The artist used nature itself as a canvas.[/quote_colored]

Jean nearly died of dehydration during this gruelling adventure in the Tibesti desert. This does not stop him from completing his work and signing it, as his custom, by writing his legacy in the sand. This speaks volumes of the strength of character of this great man.

There is nothing that can stop him from achieving his objective. Nothing that can stand in his way toward making the world a more beautiful place one project at a time.

Jean Verame, you’re truly awesome!

The post This Artist Who Painted On Rocks Will Truly Inspire You appeared first on The Artist.