Over the past few decades, street art secured a firm place in galleries, museums, and private homes. Art lovers and collectors are now willing to invest large sums in works by street artists such as Banksy , Mr.Brainwash , Lady Pink , Keith Haring or Shepard Fairey (Obey) .
A surge in popularity and worldwide recognition of these artists has led to a steady increase in the value of their works. These increases in value can certainly rival those of traditional giants of the art market.
The artist Keith Haring is often cited as a pioneer of this rebellious art movement. His Subway Drawings from the 1980s quickly became highly sought-after collector's items.
At KUNSTPLAZA you also have the opportunity to discover works by these established artists as well as emerging artists from the street art scene and purchase them either directly from the artist or through one of our partner galleries. The artworks are available as unique pieces, limited editions with a hand-signed certificate of authenticity, or as high-quality screen prints.
Buy street and urban art – from international artists
Our selection of artists with roots in the street and urban art scene includes timeless artworks in various styles. Thanks to our close connections with numerous emerging and established artists and galleries worldwide, we can present a diverse range of urban art in our online gallery.
Our meticulous curation process allows us to offer you an exclusive selection that not only captivates with its visual brilliance and multifaceted messages, but also offers significant potential as an investment with above-average returns.
What are the defining characteristics of urban art?
Originally emerging as graffiti on New York subway cars and streets, urban art has evolved into a true phenomenon, fetching astonishing record prices at auctions. Formerly illegal art has transformed into a respected and recognized movement, motivating both collectors and artists worldwide.
Through a vibrant mix of street culture and modern art, street art has evolved into a significant form of cultural expression. The rebellious works of these artists represent various aspects of urban life, speaking their own language, which often includes social commentary.
The astonishing transformation from subversive graffiti to high-priced urban art brilliantly demonstrates the acceptance and attractiveness of this original art form in the modern cultural landscape.
Where street art began
Street art has its roots in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when artistic movements developed from the graffiti scene . Early works, often consisting of lettering and tags, were seen as an expression of the artists' personality, identity, and desire for freedom, as well as a rebellion against socioeconomic constraints.
With artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, the well-known “graffiti boom” of the 1980s helped to bring graffiti and street art into the focus of public attention and appreciation.
Evolution to Urban Art in the 21st Century
The 21st century has seen a revolutionary development in the art world, extending beyond traditional materials like paper, cardboard, and canvas to streets, sidewalks, subways, and building facades. The inspiring art of graffiti embodies movement, freedom, and spontaneity, and enjoys a steadily growing fan base.
Artists such as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mr. Brainwash , Shepard Fairey, Kenny Scharf , Banksy, Invader and Stik are particularly in demand today.
Since Shepard Fairey's well-known "Hope"poster of 2008 and the groundbreaking "Art in the Streets" at the MoCA Museum in Los Angeles in 2011, directed by Jeffrey Deitch, Roger Gastman and Aaron Rose, the urban art form has made a real leap forward in popularity.
The exhibition traced the development of graffiti and street art from the 1970s to today's global movement, focusing on cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and São Paulo, where a unique visual language has emerged. It featured paintings, mixed-media sculptures, and interactive installations by 50 outstanding artists.
Street art is now a global phenomenon, with artists worldwide leaving their mark on urban spaces. Regional and cultural influences enrich the movement, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.
Events such as Art Basel Miami Beach and Upfest in Bristol showcase the talent of young, wild artists from the scene and solidify the importance of street art in the contemporary art scene.
The term "urban art" refers to the form of original street art that has made its way into the exhibition spaces of galleries and museums and participates in art auctions .
Street art, graffiti & urban art discover and buy
Urban art fetches record prices at auctions and offers dream returns for collectors
Urban art fetches record prices at auctions and offers dream returns for collectors
On October 14, 2021, Banksy's artwork "Love Is In The Bin" an impressive €21.8 million at auction. The work had already made headlines in 2018 when it self-destructed during a Sotheby's auction. However, this incident did nothing to diminish the artwork's value; on the contrary, it confirmed the exponential rise in its price.
Within just three years, the price of the artwork has increased eighteenfold, from €1.2 million. Banksy stands out due to his unique form of communication, and his prices have reached unprecedented heights. These figures illustrate the rise of urban art in the art market since the 2000s.
The most expensive piece of street art of all time is the painting “untitled” by Jean-Michel Basquiat from 1982. It was auctioned at Sotheby's in New York in 2017 for over $110 million.
Auction houses quickly embraced this urban phenomenon and recognized the movement's potential. In France, auction houses such as Tajan, Leclère, and Digard joined this trend and have increased the number of specialized auctions since 2006.
The flagship of this phenomenon, however, is undoubtedly Artcurial , a true giant that has been holding specialist auctions annually for over 100 years. For 15 years, the auction house has brought together the biggest names in the contemporary urban art scene. Significant sales have been achieved on French soil. The €985,000 sold for KAWS' sculpture "Final Days" in 2019 and the €492,600 for Invader's "Rubik Space" in 2020 attest to this. The €617,500 sold in 2018 for Banksy's work "Kill Mom?" supports this claim.
Street art is proving to be a lucrative investment field. Works by leading artists are experiencing steady increases in value and are fetching record prices at auctions. Collectors like the Mugrabi family in New York are among those with the greatest appetite for this art form. They are particularly fond of works by Kenny Scharf and Basquiat.
Since its debut, urban art has seen increasing popularity in terms of both supply and demand. New market developments, particularly in Hong Kong, have begun to expand the traditionally strong European and American markets, further reinforcing this trend.
Sales figures continue to rise. Given that Banksy is currently the only living street artist to have earned more than a million from the sale of his artwork, it would not be surprising if other artists such as KAWS, Invader, or Barry McGee were to join the exclusive club of millionaire artists.
Techniques and styles
The techniques and styles of street art are as diverse as the artists themselves:
Graffiti: This technique, often executed with spray cans, forms the root of street art. Simple tags or stylized letters evolve into complex explosions of color and shapes.
Stencils: Artwork sprayed with stencils allows for precise and repeatable designs. Banksy, one of the most famous street artists, uses this method masterfully.
Muralism: These monumental wall paintings can cover entire buildings and often depict historical or political themes. Artists like Diego Rivera have popularized this technique.
Paste-ups and stickers: Pre-produced pieces of paper or stickers are glued onto surfaces, providing a quick and effective way to spread visual messages.
Installations: 3D elements made from a wide variety of materials are integrated into public spaces, creating interactive experiences.
FAQ on the topic of Street Art
How do street art and graffiti differ?
Graffiti is sometimes used as an illegal form of self-expression, with a focus on lettering and tags. In contrast, street art is now often produced legally and with artistic intent, encompassing a broader range of art forms such as stencils, murals, and installations.
Are urban art and street art the same thing?
Urban art, sometimes also called street art, originated primarily in public spaces. However, urban art also includes artworks inspired by urban culture that are exhibited in galleries and museums and available to collectors on the art market.
Why is street art important?
Urban art offers an easily accessible arena for discussing critical political, social, and cultural issues. It democratizes art by making it accessible to a broad audience and, in most cases, amplifies the voices of social movements and marginalized groups.
Is street art illegal?
In fact, numerous cities have legal locations for this type of art, as well as festivals and projects to which artists are officially invited to create and/or exhibit their works.
How permanent is street art?
Street art is ephemeral because it is displayed outdoors and therefore exposed to both human influences and the weather. However, this underscores its unique appeal and impact.
Street art has the potential to make our cities more vibrant, intellectual, and beautiful by connecting artistic expression with the urban context. It invites us to be open to the diverse stories and messages that surround us and to see the world with fresh eyes.
Where can I access urban art?
There are several ways to acquire an urban art piece. Many customers call before purchasing to have any questions answered. Therefore, the most common way is to contact the artist directly.
Alternatively, you can purchase your selected image in the online shop of the artist or the representing gallery (see external link in the respective artwork in our online gallery).
Using the filter function, you can identify the perfect artwork from the numerous categories. Alternatively, use the keyword search to quickly find your favorite image.
I found an urban art image, but the format isn't right.
Many of the artists exhibiting with us also offer the option of commissioning a custom oil painting in your desired size (keyword: commissioned work ). It's best to contact the artist directly via message or phone to discuss the details.
You can either use existing works or create a new street art piece entirely to your liking.
Does the artwork come with a frame?
Your picture should be able to hang directly on the wall. Ideally, your work of art is delivered. In the case of international deliveries, a role is often used to avoid high transport costs.
You can find out more details about the description or the external link in the works of art. If you do not find any information about this, we recommend that you contact the artist or seller directly.
How is the painting delivered?
The artist or their gallery is responsible for shipping. In our experience, shipping costs depend on the size of the artwork and possibly also on the framing. Large or fragile artworks are often carefully packaged in a special box. This box is made of sturdy plastic and lined with foam to ensure optimal protection.
For small works of art, galleries often use local freight forwarders for shipping. In individual cases, inquire with the artist or his gallery. With most of the galleries and shops through which our artists sell, you can trust that all packages are insured and will therefore arrive safely and undamaged.
Is there a (free) return option?
Galleries (and often artists as well) typically offer free returns if you are not satisfied. The return period can range from 14 days to a full year. If in doubt, check with the seller, gallery, or artist before purchasing.
Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
Buy artworks directly from artists and support creatives from Germany and around the world.
Click either on the provided link on the detail page of the respective artwork to go directly to the artist's offer or to the representing art gallery.
Or get in touch with the artist.
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