From Graffiti to Street Art

Belfast, 2025

As a teenager in the 1980s, I recall graffiti as often representing the optimistic (and unrealistic) representations of teenage desires - often a poor crude male part. However, during the 1990s that transitioned into ‘tags’ and a more artistic self-awareness represented by professional and beautiful work. The graffiti became more and more professional and now, along with ‘tags’ and colourful images, we also have extremely professional art pieces that are nothing more than extremely well articulated pieces of temporary art. Graffiti still exists in its basic form, but what interests me is the modern street art. The work is truly fantastic and is replaced over time.

This weekend, I visited the Leake Arches in London and was once again amazed by the fantastic art work of local street artists.