Only recently has the graffiti and street art scene been seen as more than just an underground art movement. The image of the reclusive writer has been transformed from a deviant character to someone to be showcased and promoted for his talent.
With the emergence of street art collectives such as Cable Street, Scrawl Collective and Monorex, a niche has been carved in the popular graffiti market. Almost every night in London, a gallery space or bar showcases the work of an individual graffiti artist. From the world famous to the new and upcoming, promoting your talents as an artist has never been easier.
Take Secret Wars, for example, one of the many creations spun out of London-based company Monorex. It is a dedicated street art event organized in Shoreditch, East London, and is designed to showcase the art of approximately 16 artists from across the country, through a battle. Following in the path of previous battle events like Jump Off and Throwdown (which are solely about beat boxing, rapping, and break dancing), Secret Wars has further expanded the concept of street art by using the event to broaden interest in graffiti. and the characters. art.
Designed as an FA Cup knockout competition, each event sees two artists kicked out of the tournament. The night has had such an amazing response that almost twice as many artists have applied to take part in Series 2 by the end of 2007. A European tour is even in the works. Although there are numerous attractive prizes on offer, it is without a doubt the coveted title of Secret Wars champion that excites the performers and draws the crowds each month.
Even without events like Secret Wars to boost its popularity, graffiti is making a name for itself with popular brand companies seeking the services of art collectives like Monorex to help promote their latest wares. If companies want to target a younger audience, successful marketing and branding of a product is key.
Graffiti and everything related to it, from music to fashion, is the new thing. Vandals, once reviled, now have fan bases the size of pop stars. People in all corners of the world have heard of Banksy and D*face. Magazines are quick to pick up on the next big thing and often call for interviews with upcoming art collectives or select artists. Vinyl toy designers celebrate graffiti talent and often produce limited edition toy designs of the next big name in graffiti.
With graffiti becoming more popular, some people believe that its eventual demise is inevitable. However, if artists stay true to what graffiti is all about, it can undoubtedly still thrive underground, even as big brands move on to the next hot thing. Graffiti is all about art and that is how it will always be appreciated no matter how popular it becomes.