#street-art

#street-art

John grew up in midtown Toronto where he spent hours exploring murals, sketching buildings and learning the stories behind neighbourhood landmarks. He was the kind of teenager who noticed new posters on lampposts before anyone else. His early love for urban culture eventually guided him toward studying Communications and City Studies at the University of Toronto. He often reflects on this time.

Our cities are full of grey tower blocks built for efficiency rather than aesthetics. Public benches are made of cheap concrete, pavements are falling apart, old structures are left derelict. Amid this backdrop of unloved, muted ugliness, a new wave of guerrilla mosaicists are enlivening their cities with beautiful, colourful designs. These artists rarely get official sign-off for their work.

A few blocks east of downtown, on Santa Clara Street in the masterfully rebranded East Village, I stop at Writers Bench, a small art space that speaks authentically San José. A rack of spray colorful paints, a case full of stickers, a t-shirt rack and a gleaming purple low rider bicycle surround a chessboard, set up and ready to play, in the middle of the narrow storefront.

The political drama continues unabated with a new prime minister (sort of), a new government which may or may not survive the week and a big climb-down from Emmanuel Macron. The Talking France podcast is available on Spotify or Apple. You can download it here or listen on the link below But the constant rollercoaster that makes up French politics at the moment is leading an increasing number of people to ask whether France's political system is fit for purpose.

In the village is a collection of 13 buildings that were previously used as a training centre for France Télecom. When the centre closed, they were bought by a local couple who created Street Art City, the world's only street art theme park. The collection of old buildings now forms an extraordinary canvas - 22,000 square metres, entirely covered in street art.

For more than two decades, French street artist Invader-born Franck Slama-has turned city streets into digital landscapes, reimagining the urban environment as a living arcade. His iconic 8-bit mosaics have quietly infiltrated skylines and alleyways in over 79 cities across 20 countries, transforming the familiar into something playful, subversive, and undeniably his. Now, in an unexpected yet fitting next move, Invader is bringing his unmistakable pixel art to the heart of Music City with his first-ever Nashville "invasion."

Beyond is grounded by a vast map at the entrance of the show, charting the far-reaching and meandering paths both artists have taken across the globe. Though they've crossed paths before, the exhibition emphasizes their convergence once again at Goldman Global Arts Gallery, where their monumental works have been reimagined within the context of gallery walls. Both Millo and Seth radiate a childlike wonder within their works, evoking a sense of joy and curiosity.

The event will display exclusive new Von Dutch and Von Dutch Loves pieces and feature a giveaway of Von Dutch Loves Trucker Caps and t-shirts for the first 100 partygoers through the door. The event will also feature limited edition, bespoke Von Dutch artworks created on-site by street artist Dondy who's renowned for his bold murals and evocative portraits. Featuring sets from London house-music favourite Rossi, rising talent Delilah, with her blend of soulful house and brooding bass, and fabric regular Half Pint.

Located less than two hours from Santiago - the capital of Chile - is a beautiful coastal city that, in my opinion, falls under the radar when compared to other popular South American destinations. Nestled on the country's Pacific Coast, Valparaíso is known for its hillside houses, street art, and bohemian culture. Its historic quarter is even a UNESCO World Heritage site. My boyfriend and I took a day trip there from Santiago, but I wish I could have spent a night or two in the lively city. Here's why I loved visiting Valparaíso.

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Inspired by the legendary Banksy, a mysterious street artist who's long been daubing walls around the UK, the Gunners fan's moniker was always going to stick after his guerilla artwork began to be spotted alfresco, too. Some of his original works included a not particularly subtle KROENKE OUT' slogan, railing against Arsenal's American owner. Photos swamped social media when more graffiti appeared, admirers shared updates on what Northbanksy' had been up to.

The local artist transformed the long-abandoned Star Market in Somerville with art featuring a rat wearing a cap and overalls, adding a vibrant touch to the vacant property.

"It's been brilliant to see so many people stop, stare, and realise they're literally standing on history. The water gate has always been there, just beneath people's feet, so creating a piece of art that opens up the ground felt like the perfect way to reveal something that was hidden in plain sight all along."

In this painting, I strive to capture the indomitable spirit of the Brooklyn dockworkers at Red Hook Terminal. Their silhouettes stand resolute against the backdrop of towering cranes and vast cargo ships, symbolizing their unwavering strength and unity.

Kuala Lumpur is a metropolis in constant transformation, with new shops, cafes, and restaurants emerging weekly, making it a vibrant hub for exploration.

The illusion takes the form of a snake on a wall, cleverly using the angles of the corridor's corners to make the snake appear suspended in real life.

Street art, like other forms of art, seeks to express creativity and culture, whereas tags often feel like mindless scrawls that detract from the beauty of the city.