Street art is a great way for artists to draw attention to their artwork by creating it in public places for all to see. If successful, artists can catapult their success and make their work recognisable worldwide.
Stencil graffiti is a type of street art that has proven to be extremely popular. This is largely thanks to the famous works of artists such as Banksy, and Shepard Fairey who have helped this style of art become widely celebrated and mainstream due to the popularity of this street art style.
The visual storytelling of stencil graffiti captivates audiences from all around the world, with elements of urban expression and messages of anti-establishment at its core.
In this article, we will discuss what stencil graffiti is and why it is so popular among artists and audiences.
What is Stencil Graffiti?
Stencil graffiti is a technique that is used in urban street art. The method that is used to achieve this iconic street art style involves the use of stencils as templates. These can be made from plastic or cardboard.
The template is then applied to an area, often a wall, and is sprayed or painted over with paint or spray paint to leave the lasting stencil imagery once the stencil has been peeled away.
This type of street art is fairly similar to achieve with artists being able to prepare the stencil indoors, which allows them to quickly execute the artwork, allowing artists like Banksy to achieve their artwork quickly and remain a mystery.
Although this style of artwork is fairly easy and quick to execute, that does not mean it is any less impactful, as it often leaves a thought-provoking and long-lasting impression on the public that often gathers a lot of attention and fame when performed by famous street artists such as the iconic Banksy.
Banksy is always the prime and leading example of stencil street art, creating a narrative in his work on current affairs and captivating audiences worldwide.
Why Is Stencil Graffiti so Popular?
Stencil graffiti has gained a lot of popularity for many reasons. Here we discover some of the key factors as to why this art type is popular with artists and audiences.
Urban Vibe
Stencil graffiti fits well into an urban setting, transforming it from an ordinary urban space to a visually appealing place to visit and be in.
Stencil artwork adds bursts of colour and creativity to city walls, bus tops, alleyways, and other public spaces.
Cultural Impact
As mentioned previously, the rise of Banksy has undoubtedly played a significant role in popularising this type of art form.
Banksy has always produced thought-provoking and often humorous pieces, gaining attention globally and shining a spotlight on stencil graffiti street art as a whole and as a powerful artistic tool.
Intriguing with Depth of Meaning
Not only does stencil graffiti have bold contrasts, and clean lines that aesthetically appeal to audiences and captivate the eye, but this straightforward technique that is stencil graffiti and artwork holds layers of meaning and narrative.
Audiences become fascinated with the combination of visually appealing images and the deeper interpretations of messages embedded within the artwork.
Speed
Stencil graffiti is performed at speed and is effective too. Details and intricate designs can be achieved with a stencil.
If artists wish to create repeated work or over large areas, stencilling makes their work easy, quick, and consistent.
Relevant
Many stencil artworks convey powerful messages about current events. The relevance to real-world issues resonates with audiences. It also invites them to reflect on such matters and engage in conversations prompted by the stencil artwork.
Public and Accessible
Stencil art is typically displayed in public spaces, making it easily accessible to a wide audience.
This means that whether intentionally seeking the art or stumbling upon it, audiences of all kinds can engage with and admire it without the barriers of art galleries or museums.
Tourist Attraction
Stencil art often attracts tourists. Many people choose to visit popular graffiti areas, including the work of stencil graffiti art. Stencil art is often so popular that many choose to share it on social media or make it a topic of discussion.
This creates more of an active audience than a passive one, whether artwork is solely observed and that is it.
Bold
Stencil graffiti has a bold nature and features high-contrast images with clean lines and striking visuals. These features can instantly grab the attention of passersby. This makes it an effective medium for conveying messages.
Storytelling
Audiences are engaged by the storytelling nature of stencil graffiti, and artists like to tell their stories using this effective method.
Challenges the Norms
Stencil graffiti is emerging from underground and street cultures. This often resonates with a rebellious spirit that challenges norms. Audiences like art that breaks away from the mainstream, although, as a contradiction, the rise in popularity of stencil graffiti has made this art more mainstream over the years.
Final Note
Stencil graffiti has carved a unique path in the realm of street art. It has the ability to push boundaries, captivate audiences on a global scale, and raise awareness and conversation. There is no wonder that this art form has become so popular with the masses.
The famous work of Banksy continues to inspire many people and artists too, such as the work of Canadian artist iHeart, which has a similar style and theme to his famous example, ‘Nobody Likes Me’, which highlights the negative impacts of social media.
We continue to see the work of stencil graffiti artists shape conversations and perceptions in our world today, allowing many of us to view the world through a different lens.
