Page 10 - Grasp English C1 (Student Book)

1 ART AND CRAFT

1 traditionally is words and 2 sprayed onto a
wall, whereas street art encompasses a variety of media and techniques, such
as sticker art, LED art and 3 s. It may be 4 or
can depict a recognisable form. Some of this kind of art is not so permanent or
public, either. Some are designed to be short-lived, such as a wisp of coloured
smoke in a forest or a pile of stones precariously balanced. Some, meanwhile,
have been installed in remote locations, such as underwater, where few people
will encounter them unless specifically seeking them out.

Street art is often designed to make a public statement about the society
or environment in which the artist lives. It could raise awareness of social or
political issues, or may just serve as a canvas for local artists to express their
personal feelings and style. The challenge and risk of creating the art without
permission from owners is also considered part of the artwork’s appeal.
Attitudes towards graffiti and street art are mixed. For some people, it is ugly
vandalism with no 5 appeal, but in many countries of the
world, it is becoming more widely accepted and appreciated, perhaps due to
the artistic talents and social messages portrayed in the artwork. Certainly, there
are examples of clever 6 street art, in which spiders appear to
climb down walls or where steps appear to descend from the pavement, which
show considerable artistic merit; while the work of more subversive social
commentators such as Banksy has caught the public attention. In some cities,
such as London, Berlin and Paris, street art has become an accepted part of
the city’s visual culture, and street art tours are run all year round. Tour guides
work directly alongside local artists, ensuring that the messages and meanings
behind each piece of art are accurately communicated to members of the
public. Indeed, street art has led to run-down parts of cities becoming more
sought-after and leading to improvements in the wealth and social character
of neighbourhoods. Around the world, more and more countries are accepting
and enjoying street art for its quirky, colourful, current and meaningful
contribution to city culture.

Street art is a visual art, created in public spaces such as buildings, walls, bridges
and other structures where it is highly visible, rather than being inside a specific
art venue, where only artwork chosen by a group of “experts” is displayed to
the small number of people who choose to visit the gallery. It is usually created
without or against the permission of the land or building’s owner.

8