The Origins of Street Graffiti in NYC
Street Graffiti: From Vandalism to Valued Art
Top Spots to Experience NYC Street Graffiti
Celebrated Street Graffiti Artists in NYC
Dive into NYC’s Street Graffiti Culture
New York City, the world’s cultural melting pot, has always been a frontrunner in setting art trends. Its vibrant street graffiti is one such trend that has overtaken the city. This art form, born out of rebellion and the need for self-expression, has turned the city’s concrete jungle into a vibrant, open-air gallery.
The Origins of Street Graffiti in NYC
NYC street graffiti traces its roots back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. This was when the city was in turmoil, with rampant crime and bankruptcy.
The city’s youth, particularly from the Bronx and Brooklyn, began tagging subway cars and buildings as self-expression. Though illegal and dangerous, this rebellious act soon evolved into a new art form that captured the city’s spirit.
With its extensive network of dark, dense tunnels, the NYC subway system was the ideal canvas for these budding artists. This led to the graffiti movement, transforming the city’s subways into moving art exhibits.
Legendary graffiti artists like Zephyr (Andrew Witten), Taki 183, and Blade were among the first to make their mark in the city, turning the NYC subway trains into a vibrant display of creativity and talent.
Street Graffiti: From Vandalism to Valued Art
Over the years, what started as defiance and vandalism transformed into an accepted and valued art form. Today, graffiti artists worldwide flock to NYC to showcase their talent, turning the city’s walls, alleyways, and construction trailers into canvases. The city’s street graffiti has become a tourist attraction, with people going to witness and photograph these vibrant murals.
Top Spots to Experience NYC Street Graffiti
For those looking to explore the city’s vibrant street graffiti scene, here are some must-visit spots:
Bushwick Collective
Arguably the most famous street graffiti spot in NYC, the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn is a sprawling outdoor museum featuring works of artists worldwide. The Collective began as a neighborhood initiative in 2011, intended to beautify the area and provide a platform for artists. Today, it boasts nearly 50 murals, with more added each year.
First Street Green Art Park
The First Street Green Art Park is a public space supporting emerging artists in the East Village. The park is a canvas for large murals art installations, and even hosts community and cultural events.
Welling Court Mural Project
In Astoria, Queens, the Welling Court Mural Project is a massive collection of murals to beautify the neighborhood and transform how people experience their environment. Since its inception in 2009, the project has grown to include over 140 murals.
Houston Bowery Wall
This wall in Manhattan holds a significant place in the city’s graffiti history. The first large-scale public work of legendary artist Keith Haring was painted on this wall in 1982. Today, the wall hosts works of renowned artists, including Shepard Fairey, AIKO, and OSGEMEOS.
DUMBO Walls
In Brooklyn, the DUMBO Walls project has turned eight walls near the York Street subway station into a vibrant murals display. The project began in 2012, with famed artists like Shepard Fairey and MOMO among the contributors.
The Museum of Street Art
This unique museum located in the basement of the CitizenM hotel on the Lower East Side is a reunion of the original artists of the legendary 5Pointz in Long Island City. The museum is free to visit but requires a reservation due to its limited space.
The High Line
This unique park built on an old elevated railway line features not just beautiful landscapes, but also a changing public art program that includes murals. The street art along the High Line adds to the park’s appeal, making it a must-visit location for art enthusiasts.
The Little Italy Street Art Project (L.I.S.A.)
This project brings street artists to the Little Italy neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, transforming the walls of businesses and residential buildings into vibrant murals. The project has expanded beyond the Lower East Side, reaching out to other areas like East Harlem and Staten Island.
The 100 Gates Project
This unique street art project turns the storefront gates of businesses into vibrant murals, transforming the Lower East Side into an open-air gallery that emerges at night.
The World Trade Mural Project
If you visit the World Trade Center’s Oculus, you will see the work of some renowned street artists commissioned by 2WTC. The murals have given downtown Manhattan a new sense of hope and vibrancy.
Celebrated Street Graffiti Artists in NYC
NYC is home to some of the world’s most renowned street graffiti artists. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
Banksy
Known for his love for NYC, Banksy staged a month-long street art project, “Better Out Than In” in 2013. Many of his works in the city have been covered over or defaced, but the building owner preserved one of his most famous works, the Hammer Boy.
Big Pun Memorial
Created by Bronx-based graffiti artist Tats Cru, this mural is a tribute to the beloved Puerto Rican rapper Big Pun, the first Latino rapper to go platinum as a solo act.
Cope2
Fernando Carl, better known as Cope2, is one of the most renowned graffiti artists in NYC. He has been creating street art for over four decades and has gained international recognition with his unique bubble lettering and wildstyle techniques.
Lady Pink
Sandra Fabara, also known as Lady Pink, is one of the most prominent female graffiti artists on the NYC scene. She has made a name for herself with her playful and camouflage-style graffiti.
Zephyr
Andrew Witten, known as Zephyr, is known for his role in the freight train graffiti movement and is often credited as inventing several graffiti styles.
Blade
Holding the title of ‘King of Graffiti’, Blade chose subway trains as his canvas back in the 1970s. He painted over 5,000 creations, earning him worldwide recognition.
Dive into NYC’s Street Graffiti Culture
NYC’s street graffiti scene is a testament to the city’s vibrant culture and the spirit of self-expression. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a casual observer, exploring NYC’s street graffiti is a unique adventure that offers a different perspective of the city.
It’s not just about the art; it’s about the stories behind the murals, the artists who created them, and the communities they represent. So, next time you’re in NYC, take some time to explore these vibrant murals and delve into the city’s rich graffiti culture.
You might also want to read:
How to Explore the Local Art of New York City & Beyond
