What kind of messages or feelings can urban art transmit and what’s its impact on people?
In recent times, street art has progressed and evolved to include deep messages, opinions, remarks, or to simply express someone’s need for attention. Street art doesn't necessarily have to make sense, and in fact many times it doesn't. On the other hand it often transmits feelings, like for example murals with messages for community peace. For instance, there are famous artists for this like artist JR, who won a TED prize in 2011. This man was awarded "one wish to change the world", and his art relates to the struggles people have.
Here is a TED Talk of JR where he talks about his art:
Here is a TED Talk I saw of JR where he talks about his art:
ATL skills:
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Identify problems and develop aims, goals and objectives.
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Make inferences and draw conclusions.
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Underline ways in which images and language interact to convey ideas, values, and beliefs.
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Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.
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Find and select information via different media.
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Consider personal relationships to people, ideas and concepts.
What I have to say:
4 Examples that had an impact on me:
One of the particular things about street art is that it has the ability to transmit emotions and feelings. It works as a form of narrative and allow artists to tell things to people just through their art. In addition it doesn't work as propaganda or commercials (though sometimes people can use it for that purpose), but tends to have interesting and cultural topics that our eyes can enjoy. It is sort of a paradox that propaganda costs money and though its designed for brainwashing people it’s considered legal, while street art is free and people can enjoy it but its considered as vandalism by many.
Anyways, though many artists can be simply anti-capitalist and have their art around this theme, street art is still beautiful and eye-catching. For example Banksy mostly represents the ideology of rebelling against capitalism and its structure. However, not all street art is anti-political or a social protest. There can be works of art that are simply meant to make people smile when they see it, by being attractive, colourful, and awakening happy feelings in society. They can have the message of a happy lifestyle, without any serious political or social idea.
1. This first image causes an impact on me since I think that it has a powerful message and it’s very eye catching. The meaning of this piece (obviously in my perspective) is that adults are so busy and focused in their own things that they forget appreciating life and do not receive joy. It visually shows how kids are living a life full of pleasure unlike adults who are living in black and white and on top of this are blocking colours on entering to their life. It can also be interpreted as how kids enjoy even the smallest things, like rain, and that's why their life is more colourful and they are happier.
3. This third image is able to create an impact on me as well, and it really transmits me the meaning it’s supposed to. I think it has a really shocking topic, which is related to me, what surrounds me, and about the life from children nowadays. The meaning of this piece has to do with social networks and the importance we give to them. It says that children from today are more worried about their virtual life than their real life, and sometimes can consequently be addicted to electronic devices. This criticises the life from children nowadays because they should be doing other things instead of always being connected.
2. This second image has a really important meaning too, and definitely created an effect on me. The meaning of this piece is related to pollution and the contamination of water, since it tries to make us aware of the terrible situation. It basically shows how if water was clean, it could be use for fun things like a water slide, but nobody would like to use it if it’s contaminated. This artwork is useful for actually transmitting feelings and catching people’s attention, in order for everyone to start taking care of water.
4. This last image shows the mistreatment of animals, and shows everyone how we take away their liberty. It expresses hoy we cage wild animals, and with the code bar it gives us the message that we are using them as products too. This piece of street art had the power to reach me and transmitted an important message in a very intelligent and creative way.
More examples of the meaningful street art :
Transmitting positive feelings:
Unfairness of the poor:
Addiction and dependance on technology:
Environmental issues
Consumerism:
Capitalism:
War:
And many other things:
ATL skills:
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Make inferences and draw conclusions.
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Make logical reasonable judgments and create arguments to support them.
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Make intuitive judgment.
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Identify different points of view.
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Underline ways in which images and language interact to convey ideas, values, and beliefs.
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Communicate ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
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Interpret non-verbal communication techniques and use them purposefully.
Bibliography:
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Baratashvili, T. (2013). The Message of Street Art - Street Art as Commodity and Communications Tool. Retrieved January 15, 2015, from http://www.academia.edu/4747660/The_Message_of_Street_Art_-_Street_Art_as_Commodity_and_Communications_Tool
Street art importance:
