From the neighborhood to your classroom--and back again!
what you need to know : the short of it
*NOT just graffiti
*visual art that covers various surfaces in public spaces
*historically an illegal artform due to local anti-street art laws
*often negatively connected with minority groups, youth and gangs
*very strong ties to hip-hop culture
*graffiti, one form of street art, includes tagging and portraits
*popularized in 1960s by guerilla artwork (aka graffiti)
why it matters : the long of it
Street art’s history can be traced back to Latin America in the early 20th century. During this time, street art consisted mainly of graffiti artwork done with spray cans. Today, this spray can understanding of graffiti is what comes to mind for most when street art is discussed. In fact, street art includes artistic elements such as stenciling, poster art, sticker art and street installations.
Culturally, street art is often connected with negativity. More specifically, the idea of street art often tells stories of underprivileged minority groups and/or gangs. This connection can lead to misunderstood histories and facts about what street art can represent and how it showcases artistic value. Tagging, labeling something with a name or symbol, is a form of street art that receives the most negative representations. Tagging is associated with youth defacing property or with gang members marking their territory. These negative associations make street art a challenging form of art to be accepted by many.
Street artists are a part of a larger artistic movement that has lasted decades, and continues to grow. Youth who embrace and are invested in street art do not receive opportunities to showcase their interest and talent in the same manners that other artists are afforded. A shift towards building a positive street art base has begun in many area of our country and the world, however, most youth are punished for their expression or art and seek spaces to learn and practice their craft.
how to teach it : street art from classroom to neighborhood
*View, Listen, Discuss: Stories Behind the Art -- Take an online audio-visual tour of street art from around the globe. Choose a destination, view local art and listen to audio tour of city.
Discussion Questions: What themes do you notice in the street art of this city? How do you think it represents the people or their interests? What makes this street art stand out? What do you connect with in these pieces of art? How might street art impact a community and/or its people?
*Field Trip & Discuss: Street Art Cities -- Locate your city on the global map.
View the photographs of local street art
and take your class out into the city!
Each photograph includes an exact address where you can find the street art of your choice.
Discussion Questions: What do you think this art says about our city? What does this specific art do for the neighborhood/location? Do you think everyone enjoys this art? Why or why not? What type(s) of art do you believe most represents our city?
*Activity: Design your own street art. Be specific and clear about each element of your art. Write a description that tells the story of your art-why you chose it, what it means, where you would display this art. Use large paper, wood, or other crafting elements to display your art outdoors and share with others.
