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The 21st century has witnessed an urban emancipation of art media. Leaving behind the conventional bounds of paper and canvas, art has moved on. Now, pavements, sidewalks, walls of subways and the bricks of buildings are the new canvases. As an embodiment of liberation and spontaneity, Street Art has taken centre stage, both in stature and visibility and in its rapidly increasing popularity.

With the transformation of graffiti on walls into an extensive language, an assortment of distinctive styles, it was not a thing of distant past that street art became an established form of art. It is no longer the reserved sphere of a trivial community functioning outside the law. Soon after infiltrating the mainstream culture, street art was legitimized and transformed into consumer artifacts. While some may find its public presence as a loud declaration with seditious intent, there is no denial that street art stimulates a radical philosophy that is constantly attracting and inspiring groups of enthusiastic supporters across the world.

In recent times, the demands of artworks by the maestros and assimilators of pop-art, abstract art and neo-expressionism paintings have surged. Galleries are putting paintings for sale. The iconic ‘Hope’ poster by Shepard Fairey and the exhibition hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in 2011 that showcased the history of graffiti and street art brought radical changes in how the world perceived street art. The claim that popularity of street art has grown in the recent years is verified by the record-breaking sales in leading art auctions. Though street art is in vague among emerging art collectors, not many know what to look out for while exploring paintings galley for street art. The main intent of this article is to offer guidance to such emerging collectors. So, if you are an art collector or an art fervent who wants to buy street art, and then read through the article for some comprehensive tips?

Acquaint yourself with common patterns and themes

As an art enthusiast, you must have observed that the paintings of artists have certain recurrent patterns and themes. Artists often stick to certain patterns and themes to develop an identity and achieve perfection. Just like any other artist, street artists frequently retreat to a particular theme or use a particular technique to make a distinguishable trademark that becomes their signature style. Thus, if you are looking at paintings for sale, then we suggest that you should opt for works that are embodiment of artists and their style.

Size matters

As the name suggests, street art is meant for streets and not for personal spaces. However, there are artists who are willing to replicate a distinct element of their street artwork into a portable form like tiles, mosaics, murals, canvases, screen prints and even collectible toys. Such options provide owners the freedom to move artworks from one place to another.

Beware of imitations, they are everywhere

Street art can be replicated easily. In fact, market is flooded with imitations. As patterns and themes can be used and reused infinitely, the question of ingenuity and legitimacy that infects every form of art becomes predominantly grave for street art. So, if you are considering buying street artworks, then don’t forget to consult a specialist to establish the originality. It is better to ask the paintings gallery to provide you the certificate or a letter of authentication.

Consider the physical condition of artwork

Before investing, it is highly advisable to take the condition of artwork into consideration. These explicitly physical artworks are subject to natural calamities: unharmed and undamaged on one day, only to be impaired by storm or earthquake the next. Due to the mediums and techniques used by street artists, it is not possible to restore every street art. For such artworks, their physical condition relentlessly affects the apparent value.

Know the community

Street art is relatively new form of art. And, it is still in its evolutionary stages. Knowing the rudimentary facts about street art, like graffiti characterized the initial form of street art, can help buyers and collectors feel confident about their decision regarding what to buy. Like any other art form, it is important for buyers and collectors to have some background knowledge of street art. This will help them make a well-informed decision.