Though some people may see it as insignificant or even vandalism, urban street art has a lasting impact on society and communities. The origin of urban street art dates back farther than many would think — in fact, it first originated in the 1960s and 70s.
Urban street art matters. It adds vibrancy and color, making neighborhoods feel alive and personal. The art is not tucked away in museums or galleries — it’s right there, on walls, alleys, and bridges, where everyone can see it. And that’s part of its power. It belongs to the people, offering a voice to those who might not have one otherwise. It’s loud and proud; it represents the spirit of its inhabitants more than any multi-million dollar building ever will. It’s a way for artists to reclaim public spaces and forgotten corners and transform them into meaningful works that speak to the community’s struggles and stories. Sometimes, it’s about protest, and sometimes, it’s about hope, but it always asks you to pause and look a little closer at the world around you. It’s like saying, “We’re here, and our stories matter!”
At its core, street art invites us to slow down and notice the world around us. Even in the middle of the hustle of city life, it asks us to stop for a moment and think or feel something. It’s not just about making a bold statement — it’s about creating a connection, reminding us that cities aren’t just about buildings and streets but about the people who live in them and the stories they have to tell.
Urban street art does more than brighten city streets — it creates a real connection between people and their surroundings. It often speaks to issues that feel personal and urgent, like gentrification, racism, or climate change, in raw and unfiltered ways. What makes it so powerful is the choice of how direct it is. In some cases, it’s open for everyone to see, without any middleman, allowing artists to share their frustrations and dreams or take on the world with anyone passing by. While in other cases, it’s hidden away, perhaps under a bridge where it’s unlikely anyone would see it, making it all the more personal to the artist themselves.
This connection to the urban environment adds layers of meaning as the location of the art – whether it’s a crumbling wall, an alley, or a busy street corner – becomes part of the artwork itself, shaping how it is received.
Something is exciting about street art’s spontaneity, too. Unlike traditional art, it’s not bound by rules or confined to galleries. It pops up on the sides of buildings or across an underpass – wherever someone feels the need to create. And since street art is often temporary, it has urgency, capturing a moment or feeling before it might be covered up or changed. That makes it feel alive, like part of the city’s pulse.
Street art also has a way of bringing people together. In some neighborhoods, murals are created by groups of artists working alongside locals, turning blank walls into pieces that reflect the whole community. These murals can build a sense of pride, especially in areas that might feel overlooked or neglected.
“I mean… we all live in New York, many of these blocks are almost identical and indistinguishable. Street art allows for blocks and streets to be differentiated from one another. I think it’s vital to keep these murals alive and continue making them. Of course, there will be negative opinions — these opinions are inescapable — but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad,” said Maimuna Noshin ‘26.
At its core, street art invites us to slow down and notice the world around us. Even in the middle of the hustle of city life, it asks us to stop for a moment and think or feel something. It’s not just about making a bold statement – it’s about creating a connection, reminding us that cities aren’t just about buildings and streets but about the people who live in them and the stories they have to tell.
Any piece of art contains so much personality and unspoken words, but street art has a different sense of community weaved into it.
Making these art pieces is highly intricate and takes time, skill, and determination. Knowing the negative connotation associated with that title, diminishing these pieces as “graffiti ” is not fitting.
“When I hear the word ‘graffiti,’ I usually think of something illegal. I automatically think of the stereotype of teenagers spray-painting buildings and getting in trouble. For years, people have seen it as vandalism that messes up ‘their’ spaces; however, I find it quite beautiful. It’s a form of self-expression, something I can relate to, though not precisely the same, often from voices that feel unheard or overlooked in society,” said Jade Brito ‘26.
Brito is not wrong, as the label ‘graffiti’ is often associated with negative words such as “vandalism,” “messy,” “illegal,” and other such things. Linking these two things paints a bad light on urban street art and all the skill that goes into it.
People love to talk about ‘real art’ — the stuff hung up in galleries — but graffiti? It’s raw, spontaneous, and right there in your face, not hidden behind a velvet rope. That makes it accessible and immediate for everyone to see. It can be chaotic and even aggressive sometimes, but so is life! By automatically labeling graffiti as destructive, we ignore its cultural and emotional significance. If people looked deeper, they would see that graffiti isn’t just some defacement; it’s an unfiltered expression of the city’s pulse.
The difference between graffiti and street art is the intent. Ranging from spreading a message to lighting up an area with colorfulness and love, street art has unlimited meanings.
For some, street art is a hobby; for others, it is a job. The diversity of this topic is extremely interesting and really provides alternating ways to look at street-art.
It’s obnoxious and degrading to call someone else’s piece of art “insignificant” or even something they do for a living as “unnecessary.” Art is a living breathing thing, amorphous and boundless. It has no guidelines or limitations, so that begs the question: who am I to judge someone else’s art? This democratization of space enables artists to challenge norms, provoke thought, and engage with the public directly.
Creativity in street art is further amplified by its impermanence. The temporary nature of most urban works encourages experimentation, as artists know their creations may be painted over or removed. This fleeting aspect promotes risk-taking and innovation, as there’s less pressure for perfection and more focus on the act of creation.
Urban street art has meaning, and yes, while there are times when graffiti are just tags or random pictures, there is meaning. It’s a way of saying “I was here” and making your mark on that place. In short, urban street art unlocks creativity by providing a platform that embraces freedom, encourages bold experimentation, and engages with the public in a way that traditional art spaces may not. Why don’t you check out what’s in your neighborhood?
Sometimes, it’s about protest, and sometimes, it’s about hope, but it always asks you to pause and look a little closer at the world around you. It’s like saying, “We’re here, and our stories matter!”