A global showcase of graffiti has arrived in Shanghai, China bringing with it pieces from street art creators from around the world. Titled “Beyond the Streets,” the global, art-driven cultural and educational movement with a focus on graffiti and street art creators has been gaining traction around the world for its massive-scale exhibitions since its establishment in 2018. It has opened shows in Los Angeles, New York City, Southampton, London, and now Shanghai, marking its first show in Asia.
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Drawing millions of visitors, “Beyond the Streets,” which was founded by curator Roger Gastman, provides a stage for graffiti and street art artists to demonstrate their talent and creativity.
A corner of the 2023 “Beyond the Streets” graffiti and street art exhibition in Shanghai. /Beyond the Streets
A corner of the 2023 “Beyond the Streets” graffiti and street art exhibition in Shanghai. /Beyond the Streets
In each city, the exhibition team curates and designs the show differently based on the characteristics of that particular location and the latest developments in street art. It took about two years to prepare for this exhibition in Shanghai. Among the works on show, 85% have been created especially for this occasion.
With an exhibition area of more than 10,000 square meters, the show features paintings, photographs, sculptures and immersive installations. Over 800 pieces of art from around 100 contemporary artists are on display, including big names such as Tokyo’s Takashi Murakami, Argentinian-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone and American painter Kenny Scharf.
Tokyo artist Takashi Murakami’s works are on display at the 2023 “Beyond the Streets” graffiti and street art exhibition in Shanghai. /Beyond the Streets
Tokyo artist Takashi Murakami’s works are on display at the 2023 “Beyond the Streets” graffiti and street art exhibition in Shanghai. /Beyond the Streets
“Graffiti and street culture was formed in the late 1960s, but over the decades, it has embraced not only art but music, sport and fashion. So the street culture has been formed into a new concept. We are using this opportunity to not only celebrate street culture but also celebrate the urban art scene,” said Iris Yu, producer of the exhibition. She added that it is a great opportunity for viewers to learn about the past and present of street art.
This comprehensive exhibition not only provides a platform for avant-garde artists, but also serves as a place for street art enthusiasts to communicate and share their feelings. As Roger Gastman put it, the “Beyond the Streets” exhibition does not aim to ask everyone to go to the streets and create art pieces; instead, everyone who lingers over and reads about the pieces might draw inspirations from them, and that’s what really matters.
American artist Kenny Scharf’s works are on display at the 2023 “Beyond the Streets” graffiti and street art exhibition in Shanghai. / Beyond the Streets
American artist Kenny Scharf’s works are on display at the 2023 “Beyond the Streets” graffiti and street art exhibition in Shanghai. / Beyond the Streets
The show in Shanghai has also attracted Chinese artists from different part of China, including some from Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Sichuan, Jiangsu and Shanghai. “We are using this opportunity to find more young Chinese artists and we hope to bring them to the international stage. For us, education through experience is very important. This is one of the key statements for us, to show the full picture of street culture. We hope everybody has their own ‘takeaway’ after walking through the show,” said Iris Yu.
Various events related to street art and pop culture have also been held, such as a graffiti “throw-up” and skateboard performances. Organizers hope to bring the charm of these subcultures to more young people in China. The “Beyond the Streets” art exhibition in Shanghai will last till October 7, 2023.