An emerging art world: The de-subculturalization and artification process of graffiti and pixação in São Paulo

Abstract

Graffiti art and street art have been increasingly described as an artistic movement, with a constant presence in the streets, but also in galleries and museums. In this article we use the term urban art to define this institutionalized category, originating from informal street expressions. In the specific context of the city of São Paulo (Brazil), most of the social actors that make up this art world have backgrounds linked to graffiti and pixação. These two urban subcultures are linked to informal forms of appropriation of the urban space through illicit inscriptions. In this article, we aim, on the one hand, to describe the features and singularities of urban art as an emerging art world and, on the other, to understand how careers are developed in this universe. The empirical data derives from a qualitative research (in-depth interviews and ethnographic observation) developed during the past three years.

Nurturing Cultural Heritages and Place Attachment through Street Art—A Longitudinal Psycho-Social Analysis of a Neighborhood Renewal Process

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Street Art Participation in Increasing Investments in the City Center of Bucharest, a Paradox or Not?

“…Social, economic, symbolic, and thus image constructions of this subculture are possible thanks to street art tours. Street art is more than an artistic movement, it is an emerging art world [35] that can become an asset for cities when they find out how to capitalize on it.…”