'Dark Knight Rises' - Graffiti Mural

The video was shot and edited by the London Vandal. The art work, by Graffiti Life artists, took four hours to complete and was on a 20ft X 9ft wall located in East London.

Warhol and Basquiat

Andy Warhol used everyday images of consumer society, such as 'Marilyn' and 'Coke Bottles' (Tate Modern). These appealed (and still do) to lovers of popular culture. Warhol wanted to shun the ideas of elitist high culture, but at the same time he embraced the wealth, fame and recognition that it brought him.
Warhol encouraged a young street artist called Jean-Michel Basquiat. Was he bringing attention to a talented young man who would have no hope of recognition without Warhols' patronage or was he exploiting him for his own gain?

Street Art at The Tate

Here are two articles written at the time of Tate Modern's Street Art exhibition in 2008. Francesca Gavin asks if there is an element of hypocrisy behind our attitudes. Alice Fisher comments on how an anti-establishment movement has taken over The Tate.

More Graffitti Wars

Another Banksy piece in Bristol has been defaced. This article from the Guardian tells the continuing story of 'war' between the followers of Banksy and King Robbo.

Mr Brainwash exhibition

Thierry Guetta, or 'Mr Brainwash' as he is known, featured in Banksy's film 'Exit Through The Gift Shop'. He now has his first British exhibition at the Opera Gallery in New Bond Street, London. This article from The Telegraph charts his rise to fame and questions whether we have been duped.

Is graffiti selling out?

The image above is from See No Evil - Bristol's Street Art Project, a massively successful undertaking by a forward-thinking city. But in his Guardian ArtBlog, Jonathan Jones asks whether this commercial popularity is killing the spirit of street art.

Historic Castle to keep graffiti?

The Earl of Glasgow, who owns Kelburn Castle, has sought permission from Historic Scotland to keep the graffiti that covers part of the building. Originally the images were only supposed to be in place for 3 years, but the Earl is now arguing that the artworks have been so popular that they should be allowed to stay. Read more on the BBC News website.

Banksy on Phone Hacking

Alternative Cultural Olympiad?

The Cultural Olympiad is an event that will coincide with the 2012 Olympic Games. The work of many well known British artists, such as David Hockney, Lucian Freud and Damien Hirst will be exhibited. But currently on display around the East London Olympic construction sites are artworks of a very different kind. Graffiti artists such as the Burning Candy Crew have decorated the industrial landscape of the Lee Valley with their own vibrant imagery. The website 'Londonist' has posted examples of their work and asks whether this street art will still be there in a year's time.