Activism and social commentary have always been at the core of graffiti art and street art. These forms of art have been used as a powerful tool to raise awareness and provoke change on important social and political issues. Graffiti art and street art can serve as a platform for people to express their opinions, challenge social norms, and bring attention to the injustices in society. The origins of graffiti art can be traced back to the 1960s in Philadelphia, where teenagers began to write their names on walls and subway trains. The practice quickly spread to other cities and evolved into a form of art that incorporated political messages and social commentary. Graffiti art became a way for marginalized groups, such as minorities and the working class, to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo. Street art, on the other hand, emerged as a reaction to the commercialization of graffiti art. Street artists sought to move away from the illegality and rebelliousness of graffiti and instead create public art that was accessible to everyone. Street art is often characterized by its bright colors, bold designs, and political messages. One of the most famous examples of activism in graffiti art is the work of the anonymous street artist Banksy. Banksy's work often addresses political and social issues, such as war, poverty, and environmental destruction. Banksy's work is also known for its satirical commentary on contemporary society. For example, in his famous mural, "One Nation Under CCTV," Banksy depicts a young boy holding a paintbrush and a can of spray paint, while a security camera looms over him. The mural serves as a commentary on the surveillance state and the government's control over individual freedoms. Another example of activism in graffiti art is the work of the artist Shepard Fairey. Fairey is best known for his "Obey" campaign, which features a stylized image of wrestler Andre the Giant. Fairey's work is often politically motivated and has addressed issues such as government corruption, climate change, and police brutality. In 2008, Fairey created the iconic "Hope" poster for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, which became a symbol of the campaign's message of hope and change. Graffiti art and street art have also been used as a form of protest against police brutality and racial injustice. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020, cities across the United States were filled with murals and graffiti art that called for an end to police brutality and racial inequality. These works of art served as a powerful reminder of the need for systemic change and justice. In addition to political and social commentary, graffiti art and street art have also been used to address environmental issues. Many street artists have created works of art that call attention to the devastating effects of climate change and pollution. For example, the artist Blu created a mural in Italy that depicts a giant wave made of trash. The mural serves as a reminder of the impact of plastic pollution on the world's oceans. The influence of activism on graffiti art and street art has also been felt in the art world. Graffiti art and street art have gained acceptance as legitimate forms of art, and many street artists have become highly sought after by collectors and galleries. Some street artists have also collaborated with mainstream brands and corporations to raise awareness of social and environmental issues. While some critics argue that this co-optation of street art is a form of selling out, others see it as a way to reach a wider audience and effect change on a larger scale. Activism has played a significant role in the development and evolution of graffiti art and street art. These forms of art have been used as a platform for people to express their opinions, challenge social norms, and bring attention to important social and political issues. Graffiti art and street art have
