Street art is a popular way for people to express their individuality in a world that can seem so conformist. This is especially true for the youth. Art lets people say what perhaps they don’t feel able to say in words or at least in normal speech. Street art takes many forms, from chalk on the sidewalk to graffiti to murals and even to music. Like any art, the public’s reaction to the art has to be considered, especially since street art isn’t always legal.

Drawings on the sidewalk: not just for little children. A sidewalk is like an infinite canvas – there’s always more sidewalk, and since everyone’s running around with their heads down, they’ll see the art!

Graffiti means leaving some kind of mark on public/private property. This usually takes the form of spray-paint, but not always. If you have a visual signature and leave it somewhere, that’s known as “tagging.” Graffiti is popular among gangs claiming territory and also among rebellious youth. Graffiti is illegal (you’re marking up something that doesn’t belong to you), so it’s not the best way to express yourself, but it’s certainly one way some people shout out to the world.

Murals are large-scale paintings on vertical surfaces like walls and fences. They can be a great addition to the community, but without prior permission they are as illegal as graffiti, so take care. If you express yourself musically and like to play on the street, that’s art, too. Whatever your mode of expression, everyone wants to be heard.

Image by OMINO71 via Flickr