Current “street art” in the city of Bucharest

Abstract

Street art is a complex and diverse art form. Its presence in the urban environment makes it possible for the public to see it quickly. Sometimes, the controversial approach to street art and how it is reported can lead to an attitude of rejection, especially from the resident population. However, the creativity and ingenuity shown within the street art movements have led some cities to implement legislation and urban planning rules facilitating a medium for such creations, aiming to beautify or even promote specific neighbourhoods and their cultural landscapes. In the Municipality of Bucharest, artistic street representations have recently exploded in frequency and size, even in areas previously dominated by socio-economic landscapes undergoing reconversion. In this context, this study aims to emphasise street art's influence on the socio-cultural space, both from its aesthetic contribution as well as the resident population's perception. The study's objectives consist of analysing the significance and purpose of the main artistic operas in their artists' opinions (motifs, colours, paintings) and the population's perception of street art. The research methodology comprised direct observations and the use of the inquiry method (semi-structured interview and questionnaire). The study's results compare the opinion of the artists who create specific street art and that of the residents as a direct result of a perception change about the city's aesthetics. A visual representation coexisting with local architecture is a modern trend that makes the city space attractive and adds cultural value.