Street art has the power to transform urban environments, creating a safer community, building relationships between citizens and businesses, and increasing economic revenues. Murals are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also have a purpose - often to make a statement. Street art is the perfect way to express the values and stories of a community. It can highlight shared values that people want to celebrate, such as a portrait of someone highly respected in the area, which helps to generate a sense of pride.
People feel connected to others through the demonstration of a shared story, values and stories in a tangible way. Sometimes the story being told is a political or social statement. Since its inception, graffiti has sparked discussions and has been a tool for freedom of expression and protest. It provides anonymity, which in turn gives artists freedom to say whatever they want.
In particular, marginalized communities that are often silenced can be heard in a loud but peaceful way. In Buenos Aires, activists have used street art to resist the military dictatorship and share the stories of their history at a time when those in power sought to erase it. The city has become famous for its incredible art and has transformed what was once a kind of urban wasteland. Another example of powerful political art is the art of the Berlin Wall, which transformed what was both a symbolic and physical division into an outdoor art gallery that celebrated freedom and unity.
Currently, the Berlin Wall exhibits works by more than 100 artists from all over the world that tourists come to admire every day. For the people of Berlin, the art of the Berlin Wall reminds them of their history, but also of their ability to overcome oppression. Although street art has been increasingly accepted by the general public and artists from other artistic movements, it is sometimes disputed whether it should be considered real art or not. In fact, street art has already provided opportunities for some veteran black and Latino graffiti writers who have received commissions for their work or found employment as tour guides in art districts.
Meanwhile, street art is more likely to be recognized as such in art districts where officially approved “beautification projects” use public art to attract more businesses and new residents - which can contribute to gentrification problems. Street art has been used not only to raise awareness about social and political issues, but also to simply embellish public places, and its artists have been increasingly recognized and valued in the art industry. Studies that analyze the power of art have demonstrated that public art can create a community's sense of place and identity. However, protracted public processes of curating art cost more than art itself, resulting in few new works of art.
