10 Street Art Quotes To Kick-Start Your Year

Street art lovers, this one’s for you. Street artists are full of inspiring and motivational quotes. So let’s review some of the best ones. Street art can be a great escape from reality or a perfect inspiration. We often relate to the artists, the situations they’re presented with, or the art they create. And many famous quotes have originated from street art.

Whether you’re an art buff or just enjoy discovering new street art pieces, memorable art phrases have likely made their way into your everyday vocabulary, presentations, or water cooler talk. Here’s our list of the 10 street art quotes to kick-start your year. Bear in mind this list is entirely subjective — which means you’ll surely have your own picks you think should have been included. That’s expected and even welcomed; you can pass your own favorite quotes to use on social media. Until then, let’s start the list.

“Art making comes from the human desire to share something that is universal in one sense, but unique to your sensibility in another. I think that, wherever you are in the world, that impulse exists within human beings.”

Shepard Fairey

“Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don’t come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they’re having a piss.”

Banksy

“I try to add an element of humor or irony to some paintings to add a little light relief to the walls. Painting is a form of escapism for me and if my work allows the spectator to do the same thing, then I’ve achieved more than I set out to do.”

Nick Walker

“Street art, unlike graffiti, adds to the environment and is a positive experience for the artist and community.”

Ben Eine

“Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination, and encourages people to go further.”

Keith Haring

“If you work hard, enjoy what you do, and persevere you have a great chance of getting somewhere. Be flexible with your ambitions and have patience. If you’re enjoying the ride then it’s all good.”

The London Police

“The street is the street and the gallery is the gallery. The gallery has always been part of the establishment and the street is a public and un-mediated space. Street art should evolve with cultural situations and public needs, as well as being a playground for all of our egos, it’s our space.”

The Dotmaster

“I don’t listen to what art critics say. I don’t know anybody who needs a critic to find out what art is.”

Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I have always been searching since 1999, also experimenting, evolving, and working to create and enjoy various styles without leaving the essence of my goal…make you smile.”

El Pez

“When you hear music, you understand the music and there is harmony between the notes and the chords. So my painting is like this, I’m composing a painting, and I want it to be in harmony so there cannot be a wrong note. You cannot have something that doesn’t fit with the piece. And like music, it is abstract.”

SheOne

Photos: The Art of Nick Walker