Historical roots
The origins of popular street graffiti can be traced to the late 20th century, when urban environments became the canvas for disenfranchised individuals seeking alternative avenues for self-expression. Early graffiti artists, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, paved the way for a subculture that would challenge traditional notions of art and public spaces.
Anthropologist Krishna Kant explains: “In India, the tradition of public art dates back centuries, with evidence found in the ancient Buddhist cave paintings of Ajanta, Maharashtra. These murals, discovered accidentally in 1819, have inspired artists through generations, holding a crucial place in Indian art history. The practice extends to folk art on tribal community walls and cultural markings in urban and semi-urban areas. Unique forms of expression abound, from hand-painted Bollywood posters to political graffiti that once thrived in West Bengal. Political parties and individuals engaged in a multi-layered conversation through provocative and socially aware images. Despite their decline in Kolkata, graffiti saw a resurgence in cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad.”
The community of graffiti artists is slowly growing, complemented by the organised rise of street art. Various festivals, such as those by St+art India Foundation and local initiatives like the Kolkata Street Art Festival, showcase this evolving form of artistic expression.
Community engagement
What sets street graffiti art apart is its close connection to the communities in which it thrives. Many artists draw inspiration from local stories, history, and social issues, using their work to spark conversations and stimulate thought. In this way, street art becomes a powerful tool for community engagement, fostering a sense of shared identity and pride.
One intriguing piece is the ‘Palapitta’, depicting the state bird (the Indian roller) of Telangana, situated on Road No. 70 in Jubilee Hills, capturing the graceful flight of this beautiful bird. “In Hyderabad, street graffiti art had emerged as a powerful tool for raising awareness on various issues, including the battle against COVID-19 and other health-related campaigns. Talented artists have transformed public spaces into vibrant canvases that convey important messages about hygiene, vaccination, and community well-being. These eye-catching murals not only capture the attention of passersby but also serve as a unique and engaging way to disseminate crucial information. The fusion of art and awareness not only beautifies the urban landscape but also creates a lasting impact on the community, fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards health and safety. The colorful murals in Hyderabad serve as both a testament to artistic expression and a valuable medium for promoting public health initiatives,” explain Vikrant Sharma, an artist.
In a noteworthy past event, St+art India Foundation, with the support of Asian Paints and in collaboration with the Government of Telangana and India Design Forum, presented a groundbreaking urban art installation during the 2019 World Design Assembly in Hyderabad. Renowned street artist Daku’s installation, titled ‘Why,’ ingeniously tackled the prevalent issue of plastic pollution in oceans. Constructed from 3,00,000 recycled plastic bottles, the installation formed a powerful question mark at Hussain Sagar Lake, symbolising the urgency of addressing environmental challenges.
Commissioned by the Telangana government, this initiative exemplified the potential of public art in conveying impactful messages and raising awareness about sustainability. “Government support for artists engaged in street graffiti is crucial in fostering cultural expression and enriching public spaces. Financial backing, permits, and collaborative initiatives provide artists with the necessary resources and platforms to showcase their creativity. This support not only validates street art as a legitimate form of expression but also contributes to the cultural vibrancy of communities. Additionally, government endorsement helps in mitigating legal challenges, encouraging artists to contribute meaningfully to urban aesthetics while promoting a sense of identity and pride within the community. In essence, government support plays a pivotal role in empowering street graffiti artists to positively impact public spaces and engage in meaningful artistic endeavors,” asserts Vimal Kohli, street graffiti artist from Musheerabad.Legitimisation as an art form
Over the years, street graffiti has transcended its rebellious origins to gain recognition as a legitimate art form. International street art festivals, like POW! WOW! and Upfest, showcase the talent of graffiti artists on a global scale, providing platforms for collaboration and dialogue.
Hyderabad’s urban street artist, Abhedya Bhagawan, has evolved from childhood doodles of anime characters to creating commissioned street art across the city. With notable works on Necklace Road and at Maqta Art District, Abhedya aims to cultivate a vibrant street art culture in Hyderabad, emphasising its bold departure from traditional fine art.
Street art in Telangana, backed by government and local initiatives, has expanded from high visibility areas to include slums and garbage-vulnerable points. Locals actively participate, fostering a sense of community.
Artists like Nikola Mihajlovic find inspiration in street life, emphasising the unique connection between art and daily routines. Commercialisation has brought financial opportunities, with big companies entering the scene. While some argue that street art has found a place in international galleries and museums, others like Nikola believe its essence belongs on the streets, where the raw elements of the environment are integral to the artwork.
IIT Hyderabad alumnus, Harsh Raj Gond, shares, “Hyderabad’s Street Art Festival, held consecutively for two years, showcased a blend of commissioned and spontaneous street art. At the heart of this vibrant art scene is the International Institute of Information Technology in Gachibowli. Here, students have transformed the campus with diverse art styles, from minimalistic designs to elaborate murals. The initiative, initially a community project during a college fest, evolved into a campus-wide movement led by an Art Society. Supported by the Student Life Committee, students actively contribute to the artistic atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on their university.”
Social media and global reach
The advent of social media has played a pivotal role in propelling street graffiti art onto the global stage. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have become virtual galleries, allowing artists to share their work with a worldwide audience instantly. This digital exposure has not only increased the visibility of street graffiti but has also facilitated connections between artists, enthusiasts, and collectors.
Kompella Phani Kumar, an IT Consultant at TCS and a passionate photographer, has beautifully captured the essence of Hyderabad’s Maqtha Art District. He observes: “social media, especially Instagram, has significantly influenced street art, reshaping its aesthetics and how people engage with it. Street tagging, a precursor to hashtags, laid the groundwork for this change. Platforms like Instagram enable street art to transcend borders, with a single piece shared globally. Digital transformation grants street art longevity and a wider audience, overcoming physical limitations.”
But, Kumar stress: “social media not only shapes our cultural perspectives but also morphs street art into a promotional tool for businesses like retailers, restaurants, and gyms. Corporations capitalize on the selfie-taking audience by enticing them with strategically geotagged murals, transforming guerrilla advertising into lucrative ventures. ‘Instagram street art’ deviates from the political and social motivations of traditional street art, leveraging its aesthetic appeal for branding recognition, followers, likes, and, ultimately, financial gains.”
Gentrification and challenges
While street graffiti art gains mainstream acceptance, it also faces challenges, particularly in the face of gentrification. Murals that once adorned neglected buildings may be at risk of erasure as neighborhoods undergo transformation. Striking a balance between preserving the authenticity of street art and revitalising urban spaces remains a critical challenge for both artists and city planners.
Hyderabad-based Richa Sharma, who has done work in Muqhta Art District, shares some key challenges:
l Cultural infrastructure in crisis: The vibrant tapestry of India’s art and culture struggles amidst a dearth of policies dedicated to developing and sustaining cultural infrastructure. Unlike the robust approach to social infrastructure, cultural institutions lack a systematic framework for creating new assets, leaving gaps in the nation’s cultural landscape.
l Fading urban art scene: The diminishing role of art in Indian cities reflects a disconnect with contemporary development priorities. City planning lacks accommodation for urban art, contrasting with global examples like Bogota, where ‘Graffiti’ is recognised as a cultural practice, contributing to improved streetscapes.
l Identity struggles in modernization: Ancient Indian cities thrived by uniquely positioning themselves, but the struggle to balance tradition and modernisation threatens their distinct identities. Siloed efforts from city stakeholders inhibit collaboration, and the limited involvement of private players in city branding adds to the challenge.
l Funding quandary: Despite modest growth in absolute numbers, the budget allocated to the art and culture sector remains under 1% of the total annual budget. This inadequate funding is exacerbated by a significant portion going unutilized, reflecting a lack of prioritization within government budgets.
l Artists’ struggles and skill gaps: The foundation of a city’s creative environment, its artists, faces abysmally low government funding. Artists grapple with economic hardships, bearing the burden of creating, promoting, and selling their art. Institutional constraints further hinder their ability to upskill, emphasising the need for comprehensive training and developmental activities.
l Limited private investment: The art and culture sector’s limited stakeholders and low revenue potential hinder private investment and public-private partnerships. Projects aimed at innovation and creativity often face challenges in attracting private funding, underscoring the need for a collaborative and supportive approach.
l Unchecked art forgery: The unregulated nature of the art and culture industry leaves it vulnerable to forgeries. With a lack of standard regulating mechanisms and decentralised efforts, the industry faces challenges in art valuation, leading to potential issues such as money laundering and forgery. The absence of transparency in the art trade market exacerbates these concerns.
In sum, the growing culture of street graffiti art reflects a powerful convergence of creativity, activism, and community engagement. From its humble beginnings as an act of rebellion, street graffiti has evolved into a global movement that not only transforms urban landscapes but also challenges societal norms and sparks important conversations. As this dynamic art form continues to flourish, its impact on the cultural fabric of our cities and the broader art world is undeniable.
