Street art has evolved from a form of rebellion into a globally recognized art movement. Emerging from the fringes of society, it now bridges the gap between urban expression and contemporary art. Unlike traditional gallery art, street artists have turned public spaces into canvases, using them to challenge norms and spark conversation.
Murals, graffiti-style works, and installations have become integral to modern culture, blurring the lines between graffiti art and fine art. As the street art scene grows, it offers a platform for popular street artists to address social issues, political commentary, and everyday life.
Let’s explore some of the famous street artists who have left their mark on cities around the world, blending creativity and social commentary.
1. Banksy
Banksy, one of the most famous street artists, remains anonymous despite his worldwide fame. This famous British artist revolutionized street art with his sharp, politically charged stencil graffiti. His works frequently critique power structures, war, and capitalism.
Banksy’s street art style focuses on simplicity and impact, often using stencil art combined with short messages or striking imagery to provoke thought.
His influence extends beyond graffiti art into the broader art world, and his work often pops up unexpectedly in urban art settings. He remains one of the most elusive yet impactful figures in contemporary art, leaving a profound mark on the walls of cities like London and New York.
Famous Banksy Artworks
- Girl with Balloon
- Love is in the Air
- The Flower Thrower
See all Banksy artworks.
2. JR
JR, a French artist, brings photography to the streets with his large-scale, socially conscious installations. His urban art blends photography with street art, capturing stories from underrepresented communities and sharing them with the world.
His art focuses on everyday people, transforming their faces into massive murals on the sides of buildings.
JR’s street artist background and strong social activism make him stand out from other street artists. He is known for his ability to engage the public, making them part of the artwork itself. Through his work, JR brings attention to the stories that often go unheard in the art world and society.
Famous JR Artworks
- Inside Out Project
- The Wrinkles of the City
- Face 2 Face
3. Shamsia Hassani
Shamsia Hassani, Afghanistan’s first prominent female graffiti artist, uses her talent to address social issues, mainly the experiences of Afghan women. Her work challenges stereotypes and illuminates the struggles faced in war-torn regions.
Using bold spray paint techniques and symbolic imagery, Hassani’s art portrays women in empowered roles. Her graffiti art often contrasts dark subject matter with vibrant, colorful drawings.
Shamsia’s journey in the art world began at an early age, and she has since become a powerful voice for change. Unlike many graffiti artists, she channels her experiences in underprivileged areas into her work, offering hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Her murals are now seen worldwide.
Famous Shamsia Hassani Artworks
- Dreaming Graffiti
- Women in Blue Burqa
- Bird of No Nation
4. Invader
The French artist Invader became famous for his playful mosaic works inspired by 8-bit video game graphics, particularly “Space Invaders.” His unique style merges urban art with pop culture, and he “invades” cities worldwide by placing small mosaic pieces in unexpected locations.
These installations, often featuring iconic game characters or pixelated imagery, have been spotted in New York, Paris, and beyond. Invader’s approach to street art is highly methodical, and each piece is carefully documented and categorized.
Invader’s art challenges traditional forms of street artist expression while blending technology and nostalgia, making him one of the most distinct and popular street artists.
Famous Invader Artworks
- Rubik Mona Lisa
- Space Invaders Series
- Rubik Dalai Lama
5. Eduardo Kobra
Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra is known for his massive, colorful drawings and murals, which often feature historical figures or cultural icons. His murals blend realism with vibrant geometric patterns, making them stand out in the streets of cities like São Paulo, New York, and London.
Kobra’s work captures the beauty and diverse cultural and historical significance of his subjects. His bold painting style uses striking colors and patterns to create depth and dimension.
Eduardo Kobra’s murals have made him one of the world’s most well-known street artists, and his art continues to inspire conversations about history, culture, and identity.
Famous Eduardo Kobra Artworks
- Etnias
- Oscar Niemeyer
- Mount Rushmore of Color
6. Natalia Rak
Natalia Rak, a Polish street artist, is renowned for her stunning, vibrant portraits that often depict women in dreamlike scenarios. Her works fuse nature, folklore, and fantasy, creating scenes that feel both surreal and deeply connected to cultural myths.
The way Rak uses spray paint allows her to craft large-scale murals full of color and emotion, bringing walls to life. One of her most famous pieces, “Legend of the Giants,” showcases a little girl watering a tree, blending innocence and environmental consciousness themes.
Natalia Rak is among Poland’s most popular street artists and she has helped elevate street art as a respected art form worldwide.
Famous Natalia Rak Artworks
- Legend of the Giants
- The Meeting
- Adventure of the Giant
7. Anthony Lister
The Australian street artist Anthony Lister combines elements of graffiti art and fine art in his works. He’s known for his abstract, chaotic style, and his pieces often feature deconstructed superheroes, satirizing pop culture with a raw, expressive edge.
Lister’s use of spray paint and stencil graffiti showcases his versatility as an artist who challenges boundaries in both technique and content.
Through his rebellious and thought-provoking art, Lister often critiques social norms. His influence extends beyond the streets, with his work featured in galleries worldwide, earning him a reputation as one of the most influential graffiti artists in Australia.
Famous Antoni Lister Artworks
- Suburban Mythology
- Australian Superheroes
- Dame Edna Mural
8. Bordalo II
Portuguese artist Bordalo II stands out for his environmental activism and creativity. He uses discarded materials to make street art sculptures. His series “Big Trash Animals” is a striking commentary on pollution and its effects on wildlife, with each sculpture crafted from recycled trash.
Bordalo II uses the streets as his canvas, turning waste into art that makes bold statements about sustainability.
His works remind people of the impact of waste on the environment, making him one of the most eco-conscious street artists. Bordalo II’s art brings environmental issues to the forefront, urging people to reconsider their relationship with consumption and waste.
Famous Bordalo II Artworks
- Big Trash Animals
- Half Rabbit
- Owl Eyes
9. Otto Schade
Otto Schade, originally from Chile, is a street artist known for his surreal, symbolic works that often tackle political and societal issues. Schade’s signature style uses bold colors and abstract shapes to create thought-provoking images.
Pieces like “Tied to Love” and “Masked,” depict themes of love, conflict, and freedom wrapped in surreal imagery. His ability to blend surrealism with street art adds another level of thought to the messages her work conveys.
Schade’s work speaks to the deeper complexities of human relationships and the political landscape. Using stencil art and freehand techniques, Schade’s pieces can be found on streets across the globe, offering powerful messages to those who pass by.
Famous Otto Schade Artworks
- Tied to Love
- Masked
- Orwellian Future
10. Blu
Best known for his massive murals, which often address political and social issues, Italian artist Blu stands out with a cartoonish yet impactful style. His style uses bright, exaggerated forms to capture attention and spark conversation.
His art pushes the boundaries of graffiti, tackling topics like corporate greed, environmental destruction, and war. Works like “The Wall” in Berlin and his sprawling murals in urban areas reflect his strong political messages.
By avoiding galleries, Blu ensures that his art remains accessible to the public. He often uses walls in underprivileged areas to tell his stories.
Famous Blu Artworks
- The Wall
- Global Warming
- Muto
11. Toxic
Toxic, an American street artist from the Bronx, became a key figure in the post-graffiti art movement. His work combines graffiti’s raw, rebellious energy with the refined elements of contemporary fine art to create a unique visual style.
Known for his collaborations with Jean-Michel Basquiat, Toxic’s art often addresses urban decay, racial identity, and power dynamics.
As a part of the legendary crew that shaped New York’s street culture, Toxic gained recognition for pushing the boundaries of what graffiti art could be. His work is often vivid, expressive, and full of movement, symbolizing the chaotic energy of city life.
Famous Toxic Artworks
- Basquiat Collaboration Series
- Radical Lines
- Post-Graffiti Evolution
12. Mark Jenkins
American artist Mark Jenkins turns urban environments into immersive art galleries with his hyper-realistic, 3D street installations. His work often features lifelike sculptures of people in unusual and thought-provoking positions, blending surrealism with a sharp commentary on modern society.
Rather than exclusively using paint, Jenkins crafts these life-sized figures using packing tape and other materials. He then places them in public spaces, where they create moments of shock, curiosity, or reflection. Known for installations like “The Embodiment,” Jenkins often explores themes of human interaction with the urban environment.
His art stands at the intersection of street art and performance, making him a standout among many artists who work in public spaces.
Famous Mark Jenkins Artworks
- The Embodiment
- Tape Men
- Headless Figures
13. Alec Monopoly
Alec Monopoly, a graffiti artist from New York, gained fame for his depiction of the Monopoly Man, a character symbolizing wealth and capitalism. Alec’s work critiques society’s obsession with money, using the playful yet powerful figure to deliver his message.
His graffiti art features luxury brands, stock market imagery, and famous personalities like Andy Warhol. Alec’s Monopoly-themed murals can be found across major cities like Los Angeles and London, drawing attention for their bold, pop-culture aesthetic.
His art bridges the gap between street art and the commercial world, making him one of the most recognizable names in the famous graffiti artists category.
Famous Alec Monopoly Artworks
- Monopoly Man Series
- Rich Uncle Pennybags
- Scrooge McDuck Graffiti
14. Danielle Mastrion
Brooklyn-based Danielle Mastrion is a street artist who creates powerful murals that often highlight historical figures and social movements. Her work is bold and socially conscious, reflecting issues like police violence and cultural identity.
Mastrion’s murals in New York City, particularly her tribute to Notorious B.I.G., have cemented her as a leading voice in the street art community. She blends graffiti art with portraiture, using vibrant paint and precise techniques.
Danielle’s commitment to social activism shines through in her work, which is often focused on giving a voice to underrepresented communities and celebrating their contributions to society.
Famous Danielle Mastrion Artworks
- Notorious B.I.G. Tribute
- Harriet Tubman Mural
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg Mural
15. Ron English
Ron English is an American artist known for his “popaganda” style, which blends elements of pop culture with sharp political commentary. English often reimagines famous icons like Mickey Mouse or Abraham Lincoln, twisting them into surreal, sometimes disturbing, versions that critique consumerism, advertising, and societal norms.
His large-scale works, including billboard takeovers, showcase his ability to transform everyday imagery into thought-provoking art. Yet it’s English’s humor and satirical approach that have made him a famous graffiti artist with a unique voice in the urban art scene.
Ron English’s blend of street art and fine art set him apart, making his work visually arresting and rich with meaning.
Famous Ron English Artworks
- Abraham Obama
- MC Supersized
- Grin
Frequently Asked Questions About Street Artists
What is Street Art?
Street art is visual art created in public spaces, often with social or political messages. It includes murals, graffiti, stencils, and installations that use urban environments as the canvas.
Who is the Most Famous Street Artist?
Banksy is widely regarded as the most famous street artist. His anonymous identity, politically charged messages, and iconic stencil art have made him a global figure in the street art scene.
Is Street Art the same as Graffiti Art?
Street art and graffiti art overlap but differ. Graffiti art typically focuses on lettering and tags, while street art includes murals, stencils, and sculptures, often conveying broader social or political messages.
Is Street Art an Art Genre?
Street art is considered an art genre encompassing various techniques and styles, from stencil graffiti to large-scale murals, blending contemporary art with urban expression.
Is Street Art an Art Medium?
Street art is not a single medium but a practice that uses various mediums, such as spray paint, stencils, and sculptures, allowing artists to create works directly on walls and public surfaces.
