The marvels of daily life are exciting; no movie director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street. -Robert Doisneau
On our walks, I’m always on the lookout for creative messages from artists and activists who leave their mark on a city. I love the element of surprise–turning a corner and finding a remarkable creative work.
Some artists use spray paint and stencils; others use posters and stickers. In cities like Chicago, New York, and Vancouver, street installations and sculpture highlight and beautify specific places–like Millennium Park, Columbus Circle, and English Bay.
Here are some of my favorite street art discoveries:
Graffiti Art, St. Kilda’s Beach, Australia
The community of St. Kilda, a short train ride from Melbourne, is a wonderful combination of a relaxed beach scene and urban cool.
Graphic Art, Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is famous for its street art. I loved the juxtaposition of the quote on this gritty urban street.
Poster Art, Madrid, Spain
This poster was so large that it dominated the park and skyline in section of Madrid. I included a few people in this shot to give you a sense of its size.
Bigger Than Life
Prints, Florence, Italy
The works of the anonymous artist, Blub, appear all over the streets of Florence. These prints playfully reproduce famous works of art like Michelangelo’s David or images of famous people like Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci and Amy Winehouse, all wearing scuba goggles.
Inuksuk Sculpture in English Bay, Vancouver, B.C.
This inuksuk sculpture helps create a wonderful, peaceful place to view the harbor. It’s one of my favorite places in Vancouver.
Inuksuk Sculpture, English Bay, Vancouver, B.C.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #44 is your chance to highlight Street Art in any form, such as posters, graffiti, prints, stencils, sculptures, or installations. We’re looking forward to seeing the art you found on streets of the towns and cities close to home or all over the world.
Last week, Tina’s wonderful Harmony theme inspired many of us to think about how colors impact our shots and/or what harmony means to us. We always love seeing your diverse individual interpretations each week. No two posts are ever alike!
Have you seen these…
- Ana at Anvica’s Gallery gives us some beautiful examples of color harmony.
- Debbie at Travel with Intent shares her favorite place where she finds true harmony.
- If you need more detailed instructions, click here.
Next week…
Stop by when it’s Ann-Christine’s turn to host challenge #46. Wishing you week of inspiration and unexpected discoveries.
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
Eclectic collection! (Say they 3 times fast.)
Ahh….I can’t do it!! Thanks for your thoughts, John! I hope you join us this week.
Nice topic for this week, have already published a lot on street-art but for next week already scheduled something else. The “Inuksuk” sculpture you show is very interesting, good to see that Inuit culture is honoured now really a little bit more in contemporary Canada. At the filmfestival BERLINALE of 2018 here in Berlin, they were featured with art and films in the Canadian Embassy and now Inuit artists from Canada are participating in the current Biennale of Venice 2019. Really encouraging.
Hi, Suburban Tracks. I’m glad you find this topic inspiring. And like you, I’m glad that native artists are getting recognition. I hope you join our challenges at a later point. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
A very special set of street arts, Patti! Beautiful discoveries. The colors, size… of the post of art in Madrid is stunning!
Hi, Amy. Thank you so much! I was astounded at the size of the poster in Madrid too. I’ve never seen one that large. 🙂 Looking forward to seeing your post too. 🙂
Thank you for sharing with us! 🙂
I remember seeing some of the Melbourne street art during my visit there a few years ago. Here is my entry: https://chava61.wordpress.com/2019/05/11/lens-artists-photo-challenge-45-street-art/
Hi, Chava. I enjoyed your post. It’s a great entry for this week’s theme. 🙂
Ah, some great Street Art, Patti….I’m off to see what I can dig out
Hi, Sue. I suspect that you have as many or more photo files as I do!! 🙂 🙂 Looking forward to your post.
Thanks, Patti!
Very nice shots of street art ! Very intersting theme
Here is my entry
https://wp.me/pjXOq-39P
Have a nice weekend !
Ciao ciao
Max
Grazie mille, Max. Mi piace il tuo foto! Buona fine settimana.
Great shots and incredibly beautiful art, Patti! Good variety in choices – love especially those from Melbourne and Australia. The first shot is a gem.
Hi, AC. Many thanks! Melbourne is famous for its street art. I guess you can see why! It was a great coincidence that I caught that girl on her skateboard. I love when I get lucky like that! Looking forward to your post too.
Love it. Would love to visit myself…but…And getting lucky, like with that skateboarder, is a wow feeling!
I hope you get to go there too.
Maybe someday…
https://fairplay740.wordpress.com/2019/05/11/lens-artists-challenge-45-street-art/
Glad you joined us, John! Very moving murals.
What a great “take” on the challenge, Scillagrace. It was a lot of fun.
Here’s mine, Patti! Not as colourful, but still. Thank you for a fun challenge! lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2019/05/11/lens-artists-photo-challenge-45-street-art/
Sorry – here is the correct one https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2019/05/11/lens-artists-photo-challenge-45-street-art/
Wonderful examples of street art, Ann-Christine. I’m still thinking about the TV sets in the woods!
😊
Funny how we all love street art but there are many who think it’s urban decay! These are all wonderful Patti but I especially loved the native statue. We need to broaden our concept of what street art really is! Terrific post
Thank you, Tina! I totally agree about broadening the concept of street art. I remember when people were talking about graffiti being “urban decay” and then graffiti artists like Keith Haring made it big in the art world. That spot in Vancouver is really special. So peaceful and beautiful.
The poster isn’t only large, but amazing. I laughed at the juxtaposition I also saw in the second shot and I really like that last sculpture. It also makes me laugh a little, as it looks somewhat like a small stone person with really big legs. I’m waiting for it to take off and waddle away. 🙂
janet
Funny you said that about the sculpture. I had the same reaction at first! But it blends so well with the rocky shoreline and outcroppings. It’s such a lovely spot to meditate on life. 🙂 Thanks as always for your insightful comments, Janet. 🙂 🙂
A theme after my own heart! And I have shots of the red Huawei advert too – it was very impressive!
Thank for selecting my contribution from last week. I’ll be back with some street art soon.
You’re very welcome, Debbie. Your post was really terrific. And I’m glad you like the shots here. Looking forward to seeing your collection too! 🙂
Here we go : a quick spin around Athens https://pilotfishblog.com/2019/05/11/lens-artists-photo-challenge-45-street-art/
I enjoyed this, Debbie.
Wonderful examples of street art, Patti. Melbourne’s are truly amazing and I’ve also been to St. Kilda. Great memories.
Thank you, Jane! I always appreciate your thoughts/feedback. 🙂 Melbourne is terrific, isn’t it? We really enjoyed our time there. Now, I’m wondering where your next trip is going to be…. 🙂 We’ll be heading to the Dolomites in a few weeks. I can’t wait to see that part of Italy. Have you been there?
I have not, but Italy is on our list for a return visit soon. 😊
Great. I hope you have a chance to go there soon.
Wonderful post, Amy!
Wonderful post, Marie. 🙂
Sometimes it smacks us in the face, doesn’t it, Patti? But I love the subtle little Michelangelo 🙂 🙂
Yes, it does, Jo! I love seeing Blurb’s posters all over the city. Small and subtle and so well done! Hope all’s well in your corner of the world!
A great collection, Ana. And you included one of Bowie!
Great and interesting post!!! Love street art! 🙂
I’m delighted, Ana. Street art is so much fun. Glad you like it too!
And thank you for mentioning my harmony post 🙂 🙂
You’re very welcome. It was a great one.
I enjoyed your “take” on the theme!
I enjoyed this look at Brisbane and Sydney, Irene. 🙂
Here’s mine then, Patti: https://suejudd.com/2019/05/12/lens-artists-photo-challenge-45-street-art/
Wonderful collection, Sue. I laughed about the one with ET.
There’s some amazing street art about…
You’ve captured some great art here!
Great variety of streetart you have here, Patti. I hope you enjoy mine for this week. https://travel-with-tech.blog/2019/05/12/melbourne-streetart/
Hi, TCast. Glad you like the variety. It was fun to search through my files for these shots. I’ll take a look at your post next. 🙂
A great collection from Chicago, Sue!
First time here, lovely photos and challenge. This is my take on it:
https://photographias.wordpress.com/2019/05/12/lens-artists-photo-challenge-street-art/(opens in a new tab)
Thank you and welcome, Photographias! It’s great to have you join us. I’m excited that you’re from Lisbon. I loved our trip there.
I enjoyed your post very much, Elizabeth!
Love all these images and appreciate the variety.
Thanks for hosting this wonderful challenge!
Glad you are enjoying this one, Dawn! The challenges are a lot of fun for all of us. 🙂
I agree. I’ll be looking forward to other responses in my reader.
Great examples of street art!
So glad you like them, MM. 🙂 Hope you join us. 🙂
Great theme, Patti! Much room for creativity here.
Glad it appeals to you, Sandy. We tried to make it as open as possible for different interpretations. 🙂 Now I’m wondering if you’re joining us and what you’ll come up with. 🙂
Ah yes, I plan to join in soon.
Public art gives additional meaning to a city’s culture and history.
Very true, Sally. It adds a vibrancy and immediacy to street life. I hope all’s well!
A few different moods captured with your shots in this one.
There’s a nice variation in styles between each image also.
Here’s mine for this one:
https://stupidityhole.wordpress.com/2019/05/13/pork-ready/
Thank you so much, SH! I tried to show a variety of street art. Glad it inspired you! I’ll take a look at yours next. 🙂
Oh, Patti dear, what a beautiful and interesting message! Thanks a billion for sharing! Love, Cousin Henny
Thank you so much, dear Henny! I often think of you and our visit. 🙂
A great representation and beautiful images of the street art, Patti. I have mostly sculptures and a few other art forms. Here’s my post.
https://theshowersofblessings.com/2019/05/13/lens-artists-photo-challenge-45-street-art/
Wonderful collection, Miriam! You covered a lot of fabulous street art.
Thank you, Patti. I don’t have enough to use one type, so ended up finding my collection!
Great collection, G.
I love how you focused on street art–literally! So beautiful.
Great collection! I love streetart. The David is my favorite.
Thank you so much! Blurb’s work is my favorite here in Florence. It’s so much fun. Glad you agree!
Glad you joined us, Sandy.
WOW! You really got some outstanding photos of street art.
Here is my entry for the week.
https://ceenphotography.com/2019/05/13/lens-artists-photo-challenge-45-street-art/
Thank you so much, Cee! Glad you joined us.
hi patti, interesting and wonderful street- and public art for this week, here is my post for the challenge theme, https://wp.me/p2AvI7-35O.
greetings robert
Hi, Robert! Thanks! Nice to hear from you! I’ll take a look at your site next. 🙂
Patti, great examples of street art, particularly from Australia, and of course, the Inukshuk at English Bay. I remembered seeing the Inukshuk for the first time at the 1986 World Exposition, known as Expo `86 here in the city.
Thank you, Henry! I love that spot at English Bay. So beautiful and peaceful and it’s so close to the city. Truly remarkable. Thanks for your thoughts, Henry!
I love how the Inuksuk sculpture adds to the serenity of the Vancouver shore and got a kick out of the artist Blub’s work you featured. It reminds me a little of Banksy works in San Francisco (and elsewhere) with its tongue-in-cheek commentary about art and society.
Hi, BT. I agree! Blurb has a tongue-in-cheek approach like Banksy. Very true. I love the sense of fun in their work. Thanks for your thoughtful comments, as always!
Glad you joined us, Mei-Mei!
Love your look at local street art!
That is such a powerful image, Su. I love its truth and intensity.
Glad you joined us, Aletta!
My entry: http://www.ostendnomadography.com/the-crystal-ship-2019-lost-ticket-by-lonac/
You’re highlighting a beautiful work, Steph.
I’ll join the next challenge. I will not find any street art in my neighbourhood or any of the suburban communities around mine.
I hope you join us, Khurt! Welcome to our weekly photo challenge. Ann-Christine is posting next week. (See the directions at the end of my post.) Looking forward to seeing your post next week.
I posted an entry for challenge #46. Thank you for the warm welcome.
I’m sharing my link before going through all the other entries but I have my coffee, and a cat in my lap and am so looking forward to this!
Thanks for another great theme!
https://chosenperspectives.com/2019/05/14/lens-artists-photo-challenge-45-street-art/
I love your sense of humor and creative take on the challenge! I’m glad you like the theme too!
Here is my post, a bit different than I expected myself. I love street art as such but here is some outdoor art as it used to be from Ljubljana, Slovenia.
https://manjameximoving.wordpress.com/2019/05/14/lens-artists-pc-art-in-the-park/
Glad you’re jumping into the challenge, MMM! I’ll check your post next.
Thank you for deciding to stick around, Patti. 🙂
🙂 🙂
Oh WOW, to ALL of it. Again, great idea! Thanks.
I’m so glad you like the challenge! It’s been a lot of fun coming up with the themes.
I like all of them but the quote in Australia on that building is great
I’m glad you liked these shots, Alice. I’m happy you mentioned the quote! It was a great moment seeing the man smoking underneath it. Have a great week!
Hi, 59 Club! We’re glad you joined us this week. I’ll look at your site next.
Glad you shared your shots from Malta, MB. That’s a country I’d love to visit!
This is marvelous, Henry! What a great collection!
Such a great topic. Love your captures. Here are mine https://dailymusing57.com/2019/05/14/lens-artists-challenge-45-street-art/
Great response to the theme, DM. 🙂
Thank you so much!
You have a very nice collection there. Good to see the ones in Australia. And I liked the one by Blub. The scene from Madrid was terrific.
I like the theme. I spent much of my time in Berlin photographing street art. Here’s a link to the summary: https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2017/11/25/ten-big-ones/
I’m glad you like the theme and the collection, IJ. I’ll take a look at your post next. I haven’t been to Berlin yet, so I’m curious what you found!
Thanks for including Vancouver in your post, Patti. The Inujsuk came to life when we hosted the winter Olympic.
So glad you like this one, Perpetua! I love Vancouver.
A lovely tour, Ana.
What a wonderful collection from around the world. I love the quote: “Everything has beauty but not everyone can see it.” 🙂
Thank you so much, Wanderessence. 🙂 🙂 I love that quote too. I’m so glad you commented on it. Glad to see your thoughts.
A lovely tour of Key West art, Susan!
Wonderful, Debbie! I’ll check your post next.
Wonderful addition to our street art theme this week!
Phase 2 of my electricity boxes turned up in the nick of time, Patti. 🙂 🙂 https://restlessjo.me/2019/05/16/silves-a-winning-formula/
They’re certainly keeping you busy with this challenge.
Wonderful, Jo! I’m glad you joined us. I have never seen such a variety in electricity boxes! A fun collection.
I’m astounded at how many there are in one town, Patti ☺💞
Wonderful tour of Siler City, John.
Such a fun blog this week, thank you Patti! I always enjoy looking for street art – the subjects are so diverse, colorful and creative. Here is my blog: https://mycolorfulexpressions.com/street-art-lens-artists-photo-challenge/.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Sylvia. And I enjoyed your post too. I love that horse!
LOL. I love the photo that says “Everything has beauty…”
Have a wonderful day.
Glad you like that one, Helen. 🙂 It was a lucky “catch.” Have a wonderful day too.
I love your take on the challenge and the focus on the parade. It is street art!
Unfortunately I’ve had some internet connection problems getting this posted. As a result, the title states #44 (and I can’t change it) but the subject is #45! Another great challenge – and your take on it is inspiring!
https://lindylecoq.com/2019/05/17/lens-artists-photo-challenge-44-street-art/
I love the first 2 places
Thank you so much, Jesiah! I’m delighted that you stopped by and shared your thoughts.
I do believe this is art, if the shoe fits… https://photographyocd.com/2018/04/24/a-shoe-story/
Hi, Mike. I love it.
Interesting post. Really enjoyed this, such beautiful photos. You can also visit our profile for some beautiful pictures here: Rabi S Saha & Rabi Shankar Saha Photography
hi great piece! thanks for sharing. if you have a moment id really appreciate if you could check out my music/art blog. itd mean a lot! https://thehighsnlows.com
These are quite amazing 🙂