Graffiti art has become a global phenomenon over the past few decades, with artists using buildings, trains, and public spaces as their canvas to make political statements or simply create something aesthetically pleasing. While some view graffiti art as vandalism, many pieces have gained recognition as legitimate artworks, with some becoming famous worldwide. Here are ten of the most renowned and influential pieces of graffiti art from around the world.
1. Banksy’s ‘Flower Thrower’
One of the most well-known graffiti artists, Banksy has produced works all over the world, often with an anti-establishment message. His Flower Thrower piece in Jerusalem depicts a man wearing a bandana throwing a bouquet of flowers. Painted on Israel’s West Bank barrier, it protests the restriction of movement between Israel and Palestine. Reproductions of Flower Thrower have spread across the world.
2. Keith Haring’s ‘Crack is Wack’
This 1986 mural in New York City was created by pop artist Keith Haring during the crack cocaine epidemic. Located on a handball court in Harlem, it depicts a monstrous serpentine creature with a cracked head, aimed at deterring drug use through its ominous imagery. Its stark black and white styling reflects Haring’s characteristic aesthetic.
3. Banksy’s ‘Napalm’
Banksy’s ‘Napalm’ was a stencilled graffiti piece created in 2004 depicting a famous Vietnam War photograph of children fleeing a napalm bombing. The piece aimed to bring attention to the horrors of war and the suffering of innocent civilians.
4. Banksy’s ‘Girl with Balloon’
Originally painted on a wall in London, Girl with Balloon shows a young girl with her hand outstretched toward a red heart-shaped balloon. This work is characteristic of Banksy’s simple stencil style and features one of his most popular motifs. Reproductions on t-shirts and prints have popularised the image worldwide.
5. Os Gemeos’ ‘Yellow Man’
This giant mural in São Paulo, Brazil was created by the Brazilian artist duo Os Gemeos. Painted in their signature “cartoonish” style, it depicts a massive figure in yellow clothes stoically walking up the side of a building. As an influencer of graffiti in Brazil and beyond, this work exemplifies their desire to bring art to the streets.
6. Blu’s ‘Muto’
Blu’s famous stop-motion graffiti animation Muto was created in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2008. It shows a black human-like figure evolving into different forms as it moves across walls and the street. The artist stated its purpose was to demonstrate that we are all the same inside regardless of external appearances.
7. Blek le Rat’s ‘Street Art in Paris’
Blek le Rat is one of the first street artists in Paris beginning in the 1980s. His simple stencil graffiti of rats scattered across Paris streets inspired later artists like Banksy. The rats represent freedom and overcoming society’s rigid constraints. His pioneering stencil style and imagery influenced graffiti art worldwide.
8. ROA’s Animal Murals
Belgian street artist ROA travels the world painting giant murals of black and white animals. Often painted on dilapidated buildings, his photorealistic pieces depict local wildlife like birds, rabbits, and deer. They juxtapose urban decay with natural life, while meticulously reflecting each animal’s textured form.
9. Jef Aérosol’s ‘Hush!’
French street artist Jef Aérosol is known for his stencil graffiti portraits of iconic music and pop culture figures across the globe. One of his most famous pieces is Hush!, created in 2012 on a building facade in France. It depicts a large human figure with a finger up to sealed lips in a “shhh” gesture. According to the artist, Hush! advocates for keeping calm and silence in the face of society’s chaos.
10. Eduardo Kobra’s ‘Kissing Couple’
This vibrant mural by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra is located in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. Painted in 2013, it depicts a kissing couple with the man dipping his partner. The work stands out for its bold, eye-catching imagery, including the couple’s bright red lips, the woman’s flowing blue dress, and the bright yellow background. Kobra utilised both spray paint and acrylics to create the piece. Unlike much graffiti art focused on dissent, Kissing Couple aims to spread a positive message of love and human passion. Its striking, romantic style has made it one of Times Square’s most iconic murals.
There are many other pieces of graffiti and street art that have left their mark around the world. Wherever it springs up, it reflects society’s hopes, fears, dreams and discontents. Though often associated with vandalism, graffiti has undoubtedly produced some of the world’s most recognisable works of art.
