Graffiti vs Street Art

However, there are significant differences that define and separate the two styles. This article explores the similarities and differences between graffiti and street art. 

What Is Considered Street Art?

Street art is artwork that is independent visual art created in public locations such as the walls of buildings for public visibility.

Street art can be used interchangeably with the terms “independent art”, “post-graffiti”, “neo-graffiti”, and “guerrilla art”. 

Murals have been around since the renaissance, and the term mural is often used interchangeably with street art. 

Murals are usually commissioned and can be both outdoor and indoors. One example is Mexican muralist Diego Rivera who painted on the walls of Rockefeller Center.

Much street art resembles a mural. However, not all street art murals are commissioned, and not all street art takes a mural format.

Street art’s definition is broader and can also include three-dimensional artworks. 

Out-of-place installations, yarn bombing, video projections, and rock balancing are also forms of street art.

What Is Considered Graffiti Art?

While murals have existed for many centuries, the idea of taking over the streets with art started with graffiti. 

In this sense, graffiti predates street art, and many street artists draw their inspiration from graffiti.

Graffiti is a contemporary art form defined by words and or images painted in public places. Under most laws, this expression is considered vandalism.

The most recognizable form of graffiti art is a tag, but other forms include throw-ups, blockbusters, wildstyle, stencils, posters or paste-ups, and stickers.

What Are the Similarities Between Graffiti and Street Art?

Graffiti and street art are often confused because there are many similarities between the two art forms, including location, politics, and materials.

Location

The most significant similarity between graffiti and street art is that both are displayed outdoors, in public and private places. They are both free to view, making them valid forms of public art.

Politics & Social Commentary

Both forms of art are regularly used as a vessel for political and social commentary and activism.

What Is the Difference Between Street Art and Graffiti?

There are several differences between graffiti and street art, including naming, materials, legality, and perception.

Materials

Materials are another way in which graffiti and street art differ. Graffiti is typically created with spray paint because it is affordable, easy to carry, and quick-drying.

Legality

The legality of street and graffiti art remains controversial. The golden rule of graffiti is not to get caught, and many graffiti writers work in stealth under cover of darkness.

Art of the Streets

Art is always subjective. Many people still view commissioned street art as vandalism, and conversely graffiti is art if you define it as such.

Although street art and graffiti are different, they also have their similarities. Both types of art can be seen side by side – or even layered on top of one another. These two styles of art are both essential contemporary art and cultural trends.