Street art is a powerful tool inspired from graffiti that can be seen throughout the world. It often carries important messages about our lives and the world around us that must be interpreted much like one would pick apart a piece by Van Gogh in a museum. There are many talented street artists that use their skills to send messages to passers-by of their work; here are a few whose art communicates deep messages about the flaws intrinsic to humanity today.
1. Banksy
Instead of a Molotov or a brick, the "thug" is tossing a bouquet of flowers in a powerful call for non-violent action.
2. Skutur Design Collective
The loss of childhood's untainted joy as we transition into adulthood is communicated through this piece of art's juxtaposition between a man shielding himself from enjoyment, unable to see the potential for fun, and a child exposing himself to it in open joy.
3. IHeart
This piece criticizes our obsession with social media attention. The artist says that "every 'like', new follower or comment serves to validate an existence."
4. Blu
Based in Serbia, the artist communicates here that the expansion of cities for the benefit of humanity comes at the cost of consuming nature, leaving the planet continuously exploited.
5. Plastic Jesus
This is a criticism of the injustice in the legal system regarding rapists who are not convicted or are given either grossly short sentences or reprimands alone.
6. Michael Pederson
A seemingly lighthearted piece can be understood to also comment on human interference and judgement in nature -- what is considered beautiful in nature and what must be removed?
