Beyond The Streets has carved a unique space in the art world, blending art, culture, and activism in a way that resonates across different generations. Founded to highlight street art and graffiti, the company has become a cultural hub, connecting the dots between urban creativity and social commentary. As a platform, it champions both emerging and established artists, giving a voice to those who draw their inspiration from the rawness of city life.
The Origins of a Movement
At the heart of Beyond The Streets is Roger Gastman, a renowned curator and graffiti historian. He launched the company to celebrate the authenticity of street art, a form often marginalized but with deep cultural roots. Gastman’s vision was to create immersive experiences that bring art to life in ways conventional galleries often do not. The exhibitions curated under Beyond The Streets are vast, dynamic, and designed to push boundaries.
Street Art: From Rebellion to Respectability
Street art has often been seen as a rebellious act, defying authority and challenging societal norms. Yet, Beyond The Streets has worked tirelessly to shift this perspective, positioning it as a legitimate art form that deserves respect. Street art, with its unapologetic commentary on social and political issues, is elevated to a new level, showing that graffiti is more than just vandalism—it's a reflection of the times.
Celebrating Artists from All Backgrounds
Beyond The Streets offers a platform that is as inclusive as it is bold. It features a blend of pioneers from the graffiti world alongside contemporary artists who are continuing to push the envelope. This inclusivity not only keeps the movement fresh but ensures that voices from diverse backgrounds are heard and appreciated. Through the exhibitions, a range of mediums—whether it's murals, sculptures, or paintings—are given a place to shine.
Landmark Exhibitions: A Creative Journey
The exhibitions themselves have been nothing short of groundbreaking. In 2018, the company made waves with a Los Angeles show that spanned 40,000 square feet, featuring over 150 artists. This wasn't just a gallery show—it was a multi-dimensional experience that immersed visitors in the world of street art. Following this success, Beyond The Streets took its work to Brooklyn in 2019, continuing the celebration of graffiti's evolution in a city where it has deep roots.
Breaking Free of Traditional Spaces
What makes Beyond The Streets particularly unique is its desire to break free of the traditional gallery mold. Rather than restricting itself to conventional settings, the exhibitions often feature a blend of interactive installations, murals, and even outdoor spaces. This approach invites visitors to experience the art on a deeper level, not just as spectators but as participants.
Diversity in Art Forms
From graffiti to mixed media, the art Beyond The Streets champions is as diverse as the artists who create it. This diversity reflects the urban environment itself, with its layers of culture, conflict, and creativity. Every piece offers a different perspective, creating a collage of stories told through street-inspired expression.
Music: An Essential Element
Music plays an integral role in the Beyond The Streets experience. After all, street art and music—particularly genres like hip-hop and punk—are closely intertwined. By incorporating music into its exhibitions, Beyond The Streets creates an experience that engages multiple senses, echoing the energy and vibrancy of the streets.
Honoring Graffiti Pioneers
At the core of Beyond The Streets is a deep respect for the pioneers of graffiti, those who took this once-underground form of art and brought it into the mainstream. Iconic figures like Shepard Fairey, Futura 2000, and REVOK have been honored in the exhibitions, ensuring that their contributions to art history are recognized.
A Global Movement with Local Roots
Though its exhibitions are primarily based in the United States, Beyond The Streets is a global movement. The artists it showcases come from all over the world, proving that street art transcends borders and languages. It's a movement that reflects the universal language of urban life, one that anyone, from any country, can relate to.
Art as Social Commentary
Beyond The Streets is not just about art for art’s sake. It’s about making a statement. The works often serve as powerful social commentary, addressing pressing issues like inequality, political unrest, and climate change. By giving artists a platform to express these ideas, Beyond The Streets underscores the importance of art as a tool for advocacy.
Education and Workshops
The company also focuses on educating the public about the history and significance of street art. Through workshops, artist talks, and guided tours, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the art on display. This educational approach helps foster a greater appreciation for graffiti and street art as cultural movements.
Collaborations and Brand Partnerships
In addition to exhibitions, Beyond The Streets has teamed up with major brands like Adidas and Lacoste to bring street art to a broader audience. These collaborations have resulted in limited-edition merchandise, bridging the gap between high art and consumer culture. By bringing street art into the mainstream, the company is making it more accessible to everyone.
Limited Edition Prints and Merch
For art lovers who want to bring a piece of Beyond The Streets home, limited edition prints and merchandise are available for purchase. These pieces often feature works from the exhibitions, allowing collectors to support their favorite artists while owning a piece of the movement.
Murals That Tell Stories
Murals are an essential part of the Beyond The Streets experience. These large-scale works of art are more than just decorative—they are powerful statements that command attention. The murals created for these exhibitions beautify urban spaces while offering a form of public dialogue on important issues.
Technology in Exhibitions
Beyond The Streets is also embracing technology to create more immersive exhibitions. By incorporating augmented reality, digital displays, and interactive installations, the company ensures that visitors are not just passive observers but active participants in the experience.
Virtual Exhibitions for a Global Audience
Recognizing the need for accessibility, Beyond The Streets offers virtual exhibitions, making their shows available to a global audience. This digital approach has proven especially valuable during the pandemic, ensuring that people everywhere can experience the art from the comfort of their own homes.
Art for the People
Street art has always been about accessibility, and Beyond The Streets reinforces this ethos by bringing art directly to the people. In contrast to traditional galleries, which can feel exclusive, street art is for everyone. Beyond The Streets promotes this idea by curating works that speak to the broader public.
Beyond The Streets: The Book
For those who want a deeper dive into the movement, Beyond The Streets has published a companion book. It features essays, artist interviews, and stunning photography, capturing the essence of the exhibitions and the movement itself.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Beyond The Streets is planning more international exhibitions and expanding its digital platforms. With the street art movement continuing to evolve, the company is set to remain at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of how urban art is presented and appreciated.
Supporting Artists Through Residencies
To further support creativity, Beyond The Streets is exploring artist residencies and commissioned work. These initiatives provide artists with the resources they need to continue creating impactful work.
Partnering with Non-Profits
The company is also working with non-profit organizations, using art as a tool for social good. These partnerships help support underprivileged communities while raising awareness for important causes through art.
Community Engagement
Community is at the heart of Beyond The Streets' mission. The company works with local communities to ensure that the art on display resonates with the people who live in those neighborhoods. This collaborative approach strengthens the connection between artists and the public.
A Lasting Impact
In conclusion, Beyond The Streets has made a significant impact by bringing street art into the spotlight and giving it the respect it deserves. Its exhibitions celebrate the raw energy of urban creativity, while also serving as platforms for social commentary. Through its innovative approach, Beyond The Streets continues to elevate street art, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Official Website - Beyond The Streets:The main site offers details about their exhibitions, artists, and merchandise. Explore the movement's history and future events.
Exhibitions Page - Beyond The Streets:This page provides in-depth information about current and past exhibitions in cities like Los Angeles, New York, London, and Shanghai.
https://beyondthestreets.com/pages/exhibitions
Wikipedia - Beyond The Streets Overview:A comprehensive overview of the company’s history, major exhibitions, and key collaborations with artists and brands.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyond_the_Streets
Beyond The Streets in Shanghai - CGTN:Details about the recent Shanghai exhibition, the first in Asia, highlighting graffiti and street art from international artists.
Beyond The Streets at Saatchi Gallery, London:Learn about their major exhibition in London, a large-scale celebration of graffiti and street art, including over 100 artists.
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