BT issue 16 VF - Flipbook - Page 27
ISSUE 16
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n the early 1970s, New York City was witnessing social
upheaval due to the AIDS epidemic, homosexual
rights organisations and social restructuring.
During this time, artists began experimenting with
street art as a new form of artistic expression.
Indeed, the emergence of urban art, particularly
graffiti art, in New York City during the early 1970s
marked a significant shift in artistic expression and the
democratisation of art. Urban art became a powerful
tool for artists to voice their opinions, challenge societal
norms, and reach a broader audience. Graffiti art,
initially considered a form of vandalism, began to gain
recognition as a legitimate art form due to its raw and
unfiltered nature. Artists took to the streets, using spray
paint and markers to create vibrant and visually striking
murals, tags, and messages on public spaces such as
walls, subway trains, and abandoned buildings. This art
form was born out of the social and political unrest of
the time, serving as a means for marginalised groups to
reclaim public spaces and express their experiences.
The anonymity of graffiti artists played a crucial role in the
evolution of urban art. By adopting pseudonyms or using
symbols instead of their real names, artists like JeanMichel Basquiat and many others were able to distance
themselves from the constraints of the art establishment
and maintain a sense of mystery and rebellion. This
anonymity allowed artists to focus on their messages and
ideas rather than their personal identities, emphasising
the collective voice and the power of the artwork itself.
Basquiat, in particular, used his signature crown symbol
and the tag "SAMO" as a form of self-expression and
commentary on societal issues. The crown symbol
represented themes of power, authority, and hierarchy,
while the acronym "SAMO" stood for "same old shit" and
served as a critique of the status quo and the repetitive
nature of society. Basquiat's early work in the streets
eventually led to his recognition in the art world and a
successful career as a painter.
As urban art continued to evolve, it expanded beyond
traditional graffiti and embraced a broader range of
techniques and mediums. Artists started exploring
stencils, wheatpasting, installations, and 3D sculptures
to create multidimensional and immersive
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