Modern street art movements have had a major influence on political issues, earning recognition and respect from the art industry. With the power of imagination and a blank canvas wall, street artists question, fight and rebel against society's unacceptable norms. They can influence thousands of people, either for the common good or by expressing personal opinions. Street art has transformative powers, not only transforming the object but also impacting communities. It is the perfect way to express the lives and values of a community, highlighting values that people share or want to celebrate.
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. Graffiti provides anonymity, which in turn gives artists freedom to say whatever they want. In particular, marginalized communities can be heard, which are often silenced 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 a division, both symbolic and physical, 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. Many times when we walk down the street, we no longer pay attention to the environment that surrounds us. Whether it's a fashion effect or a simple evolution of the art sector, street art has become a way to revitalize urban space, personalize it and, therefore, cheer it up. When we consider the question of the impact of street art on urban space, one of the most instinctive answers will be related to its visual impact.
But what about this invisible social impact? Studies that analyze the power of art have demonstrated that public art can create a community's sense of place and identity. All spectators see it, unlike art museums where people pay a ticket, street art has no cost. Although over the past few years, the general public and artists from other artistic movements have increasingly accepted it, it is sometimes disputed whether street art should be considered real art or not. Protracted public processes of curating art cost more than art itself, resulting in few new works of art. 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.
