Street art has bubbled over from an underground art phenomenon into the fine art scene; big names like Banksy can count Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Christina Aguilera among their A-list clientele. And Shepard Fairey’s artwork was used for President Obama’s official Inauguration Day merchandise--how much more of a homerun can you hit?
Unfortunately, street art still hasn’t shaken its less-than-legal status and bad-boy reputation. The Re-Face project in Perth aims to challenge these stereotypes. It’s a collaboration between WBMC, art collective ololo, the Perth International Arts Festival, and ABC TV.
According to the project website, building-sized projections of street art slideshows, interactive screens and curated collections will be thrown upon the Perth streetscape during the Perth International Arts Festival that takes place in February and March.
It remains to be seen whether the Re-Face project will change perceptions about street art, but Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Christina Aguilera can’t all be wrong!
Graffiti Attitude Adjustments
Re-Face Project Seeks to Shift Popular Perception of Street Art
Trend Themes
1. Street Art Stereotype Shifting - The Re-Face project in Perth challenges stereotypes around street art by showcasing building-sized projections, interactive screens, and curated collections in the streetscape.
2. Integration of Street Art Into Fine Art - Street art is now being recognized as fine art, as evidenced by big names like Banksy counting A-list celebrities among their clientele.
3. Street Art in Commercial Partnerships - Street art is being utilized for commercial purposes, such as Shepard Fairey's artwork being used for President Obama's official Inauguration Day merchandise.
Industry Implications
1. Art Exhibition - The Re-Face project highlights opportunities for art exhibitions to incorporate street art in a way that challenges stereotypes and engages the public.
2. Fine Art Collecting - The recognition of street art as fine art presents disruptive innovation opportunities for collectors to invest in this emerging and popular art form.
3. Merchandise Design - Utilizing street art designs for commercial merchandise, as seen with President Obama's Inauguration Day merchandise, opens up opportunities for creative and unique product collaborations.