Berlin Street Art

by Sven Zimmerman

Over the past few years there has been a resurgence of interest in street art as a genre of artistic expression. Photographer Sven Zimmerman has been at the forefront of this renaissance, surveying the streets, sidewalks, and facades of his home town for the most arresting, humorous, politically savvy, angry, and just plain outrageous examples of street art. In this second volume he continues to look at the modern city with a fresh eye and to pay attention to images we might otherwise fail to notice. Similar in layout and design to the first collection, and graced with the same vibrant color and impeccable composition, Berlin Street Art 2 offers further compelling proof that the urban landscape is teeming with artistic masterpieces, if you just know how and where to find them.

Genres: Art

96 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2005

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun volume with only a 2-page intro essay - the rest of the book is photos of street art by the author. The photos were really great; as usual, the concepts are entertaining and often thought-provoking, plus the excitement of the execution of the works adds to the concept.

These are art-works but each work is executed in defiance of building owners etc. The idea is the concept the artist wishes to convey is worth more than the possible vandalism/destruction of property, or the cost of restoring the property to its prior state. I think this is mostly true - the concepts conveyed due "cut to the chase" many times and make people think. Art galleries just will not put these art works up, and could they be sold? They are transitory, trial runs maybe for works these artists may later execute for gallery shows. The walker running across these works is probably delighted for the most part to see these often outrageous works, maybe wonder about the artists' bravado in putting up the works clandestinely, risking detention for the sake of art. This is one aspect of the street artist that is absent from other categories of visual art - it can only be produced in defiance of authority. Thus the art work is intrinsically rebellious. It is great in an area of urban decay or anarchy, where lines of control/conformity may be blurred; that would be a crucible of creativity. The same acts have no place in shiny new neighborhoods of high-rises under 24/7 video surveillance, doormen, and the like. It is really the art of the marginal and marginalized - despite globalization/homogenization of cities, it will undoubtedly survive and even thrive, as long as there are undying rebels.