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11 places to see street art around the world

The term ‘street artÂ’ was coined during the 1980s, when graffiti began to transcend spray-can tags, becoming a specialised craft. Much of the artwork is unsanctioned, but communities around the world have begun to see the value in these visual bursts of life. WeÂ’ve compiled some of our best recent street-art discoveries across the globe, where you can see artwork thatÂ’s regenerating cities, boosting local economies and encouraging creativity. Melbourne, Australia In a city of postmodern galleries and innovative public artwork, sculptor Russell Anderson has created an interactive steampunk-inspired piece on the North Bank Wharf. The street art around it is just as inventive: ceramic tiles, stickers and full-blown sculptures have appeared on the streets, as well as work created with stencils, woodblocks and paper. Melbourne Australia Hosier Lane, just off Federation Square, is the central point for street art, acting as an ever-changing gallery of open-air work. ThereÂ’s an understanding here that work is transient, with artwork regularly painted over to showcase new techniques and new artists. Many of MelbourneÂ’s urban artists have been welcomed indoors, showing at galleries across the city — local artist Fred FowlerÂ’s semi-abstract oil painting are now sold to private collectors across the world. Naples, Italy The word graffiti comes from the Italian graffiato, meaning scratched. Some of the earliest examples of graffiti are Roman, seen in the catacombs of Rome or the streets of Pompeii. In modern Italy, Naples has become the street-art capital, with artwork scattered across the city. Naples, Italy One of the best-known artworks is BanksyÂ’s Madonna with the Pistol, in the Piazza Gerolomini which has been painted next to a wall-mounted shrine and has recently been placed under a protective cover. Although sometimes controversial in theme, many locals regard NaplesÂ’ street-art scene fondly, often offering up their walls, shop-fronts and doors for decoration. ItÂ’s best to explore with an expert on a guided tour who can translate the Italian phrases and help you find some hidden works. Haji Lane, Singapore Tucked below the skyscrapers of Singapore are the bright shophouses of Haji Lane. Located in the cityÂ’s Muslim quarter of Kampong Glam, these narrow buildings were once owned by Malay immigrants, and offered accommodation for pilgrims heading to Mecca. The lane is now full of vintage stores, cafes and independent boutiques — and artists have been commissioned to paint large murals across the storefronts. Singapore Street artists have focused on SingaporeÂ’s multiculturalism, painting graphic characters that canÂ’t be pinned to any nationality — an Egyptian ankh here, an Aztec shawl there — finished off with a futuristic visor. Among the artworks, you can shop for Scandinavian textiles, sample Persian pastries and dine on a South Indian dosa (pancake). Valparaíso, Chile The bohemian port town of Valparaíso has become a mecca for artists around the world. The local government actively supports and promotes street-art culture, a stance which has turned the city into a kaleidoscopic gallery. Each mural has been carefully orchestrated, with some of the largest worked on by 25 artists at a time. Valparaiso Chile The Museo a Cielo Abierto (Museum of Open Sky), in the Bellavista neighbourhood, is a collection of 20 large murals by Chilean artists. At the upper reaches of the district, youÂ’ll also find La Sebastiana, home of Chilean Nobel-prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, who was inspired by the town’s eccentricity. His home is open to visitors and has views across Valparaíso. JapanÂ’s Street Art Festival JapanÂ’s conformist culture doesnÂ’t lend itself well to street art, with many Japanese seeing the most painstakingly produced mural as vandalism. In 2015, the street-art festival Pow! Wow! was hosted on a small island in Tokyo Bay to introduce the art form to the Japanese in a legitimate setting. Tokyo, Japan International artists were in attendance, but it was JapanÂ’s homegrown talent who drew the most attention, adapting calligraphy-influenced text and ukiyo-e (traditional woodblock) techniques for a large scale. Growing in popularity, the 2016 festival was held in Kobe, on the southern side of the main island of Honshū, and itÂ’s set to continue in a new location each year. The Japanese have made their mark on the art form, with many opting to attend live painting sessions: street artists create work in front of an audience, usually accompanied by music. Christchurch, New Zealand When 70% of Christchurch was destroyed by earthquake in 2011, the city was stripped back to its concrete skeleton. After a mass exodus from large parts of the city, artists began to take advantage of the derelict areas. It started with the occasional scrawled tag, but has culminated in carefully planned murals on an epic scale. Christchurch, New Zealand The street art has helped ease the transition from rubble to regeneration, with independent art galleries and artisanal cafes popping up between recovering businesses and homes. ItÂ’s an ideal city to see more conceptual art — artist Ash Keating has created abstract work across the city using a fire extinguisher. YouÂ’ll happen upon much of the work while wandering the city, and an online community project has been created to map the artwork. Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia Tahitian social entrepreneurs Sarah Roopinia and Jean Ozonder decided that, in May 2014, they would arrange a street-art festival in the islandÂ’s capital, Papeete. In a concrete-walled town with few opportunities, they hoped this would in some way lead to regeneration. Artists from around the world began to arrive, and they created huge murals across the city. Papeete, French Polynesia A few years on and the town now resounds with vibrant artworks, and the ONOÂ’U festival runs annually each October. Artists are welcomed on the proviso they incorporate an element of Polynesian culture into their work, which has led to many collaborations with local artists and artisans. A collaborative work by French street artist SETH and Tahitian HJJ became so popular it was reproduced on a postage stamp. Bogota, Colombia Street art has been decriminalised in ColombiaÂ’s cosmopolitan capital, Bogota, with the local government recognising it as a cultural practice. Residents agree and often bring cake and coffee to artists while theyÂ’re working. With many of the artworks politically charged, the art has led to open discussions about womenÂ’s rights, climate change and the war on drugs. Bogata Colombia Business owners in La Candelaria district have commissioned artists to decorate the walls, and works range from simple stencils to complex murals by art collectives. Graf writers (urban artists who focus of graphic words and slogans) are prolific, so itÂ’s worth taking a tour with a local guide who can translate. As many of the works concentrate on ColombiaÂ’s sociopolitical conflicts, your guide will also be able to decode the often complex meanings behind the murals. Buenos Aires, Argentina Soon after you arrive, youÂ’ll begin to notice the murals in between Buenos AiresÂ’s Baroque palaces, Art Nouveau apartment blocks and Renaissance churches. Urban artists here have a freedom to paint thatÂ’s rare — all you need is the permission from the owner of the building — and the local government often pitches in with the cost of materials. Buenos Aires, Argentina YouÂ’ll discover murals as you explore the city (the metro stations are a good start), but to see some of the most dynamic, head to Villa Urquiza. The area was demolished to make way for a new motorway that never materialised, creating a derelict wasteland. The abandoned buildings have become a canvas for local and international artists. Argentine Martin RonÂ’s surreal work The ParrotsÂ’ Tail spans three buildings, while Alfredo SegatoriÂ’s murals feature portraits of local residents. Soweto, South Africa A township southwest of Johannesburg, Soweto was an area of forced habitation during apartheid. The townÂ’s residents are fiercely proud of their heritage, and SowetoÂ’s walls are painted brightly with musicians, politicians and other black icons. Nelson Mandela, who lived here, features strongly — his former home is now a museum. Sweto, South Africa The street art is dynamic and upbeat, often rendered in primary shades on corrugated iron walls. The Orlando district is the focal point. The decommissioned Orlando Cooling Towers dominate the skyline, displaying South AfricaÂ’s largest murals. The towers are now a thrill-seekerÂ’s playground, where you can bungee jump from the top or climb up their sides. Shanghai, China China isnÂ’t known for its street art, which is what makes Shanghai so fascinating. Art created on the cityÂ’s walls is often fleeting, as buildings are constantly being demolished and the government is quick to remove unsanctioned work. Despite the challenges, artists here are determined to continue and new works show up regularly. Residents are enthusiastic about the art, which are popular backgrounds for wedding photographs, and are often keen to visit a new artwork. Shanghai, China Due to the artÂ’s ephemeral nature, it can be tricky to visit a specific work. 50 Moganshan Road, a contemporary art district to the northwest of the city, will give you an insight. Home to many open studios, galleries and workshops, the doors, walls and alleyways are decorated in murals. More than 100 artists work here, from the internationally recognised to students learning their craft. Craig Burkinshaw is Founder of Audley Travel. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Craig Burkinshaw

Craig Burkinshaw is Founder of Audley Travel. Audley Travel is a tour operator offering tailor-made trips around the world. All of Audley Travel’s country specialists have travelled extensively or lived in the areas they specialise and continue to visit regularly as part of their role. They will not only show you the highlights but include many of the lesser-known, authentic experiences on offer. Audley care deeply about the places they travel to and work hard to ensure they have a positive impact on the wildlife and communities. All trips are carefully built based around your specific interests, tastes and budget.

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5 Comments

  1. Sadly, didn’t see any of these … :-(
    I am a big fan of street art and enjoyed the murals in Montréal,QC, Paris, London, Manchester, Milano … have still a lot to see then !

  2. Wynwood, Miami, Florida, USA should really be on this list. Some of the best pieces were at Wynwood Walls. Lots of good restaurants in the hood. Sadly it’s been discovered…go before it’s too late.

  3. Glasgow, Scotland should be on the list too! The creative urban street art scene is an exciting place to be right now

  4. I am a big fan of street art and have been to several of these cities. I will admit that Melbourne is my favourite, and I am headed back there this month. I was most recently enjoying the street art that is revitalizing Christchurch.

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