Ocean State Libraries

Chalk, a ubiquitous and versatile implement made from limestone, is much more than a humble tool for jotting impermanent notes. With a wide range of uses in art and design, chalk is quickly becoming a favourite of artists around the world to create impressive works of art. In The Art of Chalk, noted street painter Tracy Lee Stum takes an inspiring look at the many exciting creative applications for this easily accessible medium. With a historic overview...

Street Art is a phenomenon and subcultural movement that reaches from the darkest urban backstreets to the most glamorous international art fairs. Simon Armstrong examines how it evolved from its origins in the 1970s New York graffiti scene to embrace many new materials, styles and techniques along the way, tracing how this marginal art form graduated into art galleries and the art market, while also heavily influencing design, fashion, advertising...

One of the richest movements in street art has been the development of an alternative, crafts-based, three-dimensional movement, broadly identified as Street Craft. This new generation of artists is creating uncommissioned, site-specific works employing a range of art and craft techniques, including weaving, crocheting, sculpting, painting, gardening, light installation, and more.

Since the early 1970s graffiti writers have covered subway cars with massive and intricate tags. This resolutely rebellious form of expression is here analysed by Margo Thompson who places graffiti artists in relation with contemporary gallery art.

"The city is alive with vibrant art in every corner of the parks, the shops, the trains. But most people are too busy to see it--or worse, choose to ignore it! When three children stop to marvel at the art around their community, they realize it's up to them to show everyone else how truly special it is when art and reality dance together so seamlessly. Boogie boogie, y'all. The city boogied all day. Busy, busy, busy, Till one kid stopped to say,...

"The city as canvas: How self-expression, politics, and protest reclaim the streets Made in collaboration with its featured artists, Trespass traces the rise and global reach of graffiti and urban art, not just as a fringe visual movement but as a social phenomenon and central expression of youth. With an exclusive preface from Banksy, Trespass, now available as a popular Reader's Edition, presents the full historical sweep, international spread,...

Introduces street painting, describes its history, types, styles, and its destructive aspect.