You’ve seen it before and you’ll probably see it again. Incredible works of art painted, chalked, or constructed right in the middle of some of the country’s most popular city streets. We’re talking about real art, though – not some gang’s hastily sprayed attempt at a street tag.
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These incredible pieces of art are often created with painstaking detail. Somehow, we seem to miss the process of their creation until one day, long after the original artist is gone, we notice something new and unique. Original street art left behind to tell us a story. If only we knew what the stories were about.
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While it’s not uncommon to find street art in cities around the country there are some cities where these incredible works are more common than in others. If you want to see some incredible works, keep your eyes peeled as you travel through these destinations.
10. Los Angeles, California
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The streets of Los Angeles are littered with incredible pieces of artwork. You’ll want to start by heading towards the La Brea section of the city. As you stroll down North La Brea Avenue you’ll stumble upon an incredible piece of work near the Beverly Cinema. While most were created by Bransky – a very famous street artist – you’ll find representations from other great artists as well. Other famous LA street artists include MBW, who appears to be inspired by Andy Warhol, and Skullphone.
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9. Manhattan, New York City, New York
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You’re likely to see spectacular street art displays in almost any area of New York City but if you head towards Manhattan’s Chelsea district you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for. Chelsea is known for being an artistic area and if you head towards 21st street, in the area between 10th and 11th, you’ll see some intricate works of art. Famous Manhattan street artists include Gaia, Swoon, Shepard Fairey, and Invader.
8. Sao Paulo, Brazil
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The city of Sao Paulo is literally littered with incredible works of art. Start in the Vila Madalena section of the city and start looking around. Sao Paulo artists love to paint depictions of famous historic heroes. Watch out for images of Speto and Nunca as well as Os Gemeos. They’re sights to behold.
7. Melbourne, Australia
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The city of Melbourne is filled with alleyways and if you’re brave enough to venture down one or two you’ll find a collection of wheatpastes, posters, paintings, and murals second to none. The best places to look for street art in Melbourne are Caledonian Lane and Hosier Lane. Well known for their work in the area are artists Anthony Lister and Rone.
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Political unrest in Argentina has given local artists a lot to talk about. Many of the public murals you’ll find focus on subjects of protest but you’ll also find some funny and creative works. Famous Buenos Aires street artists include Doma and Blu – though Bu tends to take pictures of his work and not tell people where the originals are located.
5. Berlin, Germany
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The Berlin Wall used to serve as a canvas for artists but after its destruction more than 20 years ago artists had to find somewhere else to work. Most of the best street art in the city of Berlin can be found towards the east in the neighborhoods of Friedrichshain, Mitte, and Kreuzberg. Famous Berlin street artists include Kripoe, Xoooox, and Alias.
4. Brooklyn, New York City, New York
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The Williamsburg section of Brooklyn used to be most popular amongst street artists but as times change so do the tastes of artists. Now you can find beautiful pieces of street art in the Bushwick neighborhood as well as throughout the alleys of Billyburg Prime and Roebling Street – just to name a few. Famous talented Brooklyn street artists include C215, Judith Supine, and Faile.
3. London, England
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Dozens of street artists have attempted to color the walls of the city of London but most tend to migrate towards the East End, specifically to the neighborhoods surrounding Brick Lane. Shepard Fairey leaves his signature black, red, and white artwork on a regular basis as do other famous artists. Other noteworthy artists include Grafter and Bansky.
2. Paris, France
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Two of the most famous street artists in the world started their careers in Paris – Blek le Rat and JR. Neither frequent the streets of Paris with new work but instead focus more on the portraits that now line halls around the world. If you head towards the Menilmontant and Belleville neighborhoods you may be able to catch a glimpse of some of their original works.
1. Bethlehem, West Bank
Believe it or not, street art is incredibly popular in the holy city of Bethlehem. Most of the street art left behind here is politically motivated, and rightfully so. Artists who have decorated the streets of Bethlehem include Bansky, Blu, Swoon, JR, and Know Hope.
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Grab your camera and hit the streets. The street art you find in some of the cities may just be some of the best you ever see!
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