Toronto, being the big city that it is, has more than its share of diverse street or wall art, more commonly called graffiti. This isn’t every one’s cup of tea, but it’s hard to ignore the creative expression that goes into these highly stylized works.
Among the varieties to be found gracing the corner wall of an old building, on either side of the occasional alley way or wherever else you may find these quirky pieces are classic graffiti tags, the enigmatic or humorous character scenes, the images laden with social or political messages, and designs that are as much about vibrant colors as anything else. I took a lot of shots of these recently, so have broken them up with some being posted here and others planned for a later set of shared images.
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Graffiti has definitely evolved!
That’s a good way to think about it. It used to be pretty much just crazy quickly spray-painted lettering and streaks.
I don’t like the tagging but the pictures are superb and should be encouraged.
The artistry of the picture-type street works is sometimes quite high.
Beautiful graffiti shots! Thanks for posting.
🙂
Cool, there’s even Dastardly and Muttley 🙂
It brings a chuckle when you see a familiar character like that, especially one that is below the radar.
Very cool! Great shots!
Dwight
Thanks! 🙂
While I’ll always have an issue with people defacing property that isn’t theirs (no matter how nice it may be), there’s no denying the talent and skill that goes into a lot of graffiti art. If only every town had designated “graffiti areas”, and graffiti artists stuck to them, then I think this art form would be much more acceptable and loved — and the style deserves to be!
Wendy, wonderful observations. While graffiti can be found all over in Toronto, to your point there is a graffiti alley — Queens Alley — that has become a designated street art area. Because its spans several blocks in length it showcases quite a variety of styles.
I’ve often wondered, though, whether the illicit nature of the canvas is somehow an integral part of the artistry. Would the artistic process and its end result be altered if the canvas were legitimized in “graffiti areas”?
Good point, Liz. Graffiti vs. street art, with the former having more of a counter-cultural aspect to it.
Oh, tbh, I definitely think that’s the whole draw of graffiti for some of these artists — it’s less about the art itself and more about the feeling they get from doing it in a place they shouldn’t. It’s the rush and the game of not getting caught.
I do know of some cities that have put up designated areas for graffiti artists to showcase their work, in an effort to keep the rest of the city ‘clean’… and the artists still want to paint where they shouldn’t and ignore the designated areas. And honestly, this is the problem with this art form — the artists who could paint the exact same pictures in the exact same way, anywhere… but choose not to. The art would still be the same. But the feeling they get from creating it would be different. And I personally don’t think that justifies putting it where you’ve been asked not to, you know?
Wendy, wonderful thoughts!
I agree that defacing the property of others is wrong. I was trying to understand the impulse–and I think you’ve explained it well. It’s not about Art.
They look great. Thanks for sharing.
🙂
Pedrol from Portugal highlights the street art he encounters in Europe and Asia. Thanks for adding Canada.
Thanks for mentioning Pedrol and other such street art.
Reblogged this on Vietnam Travel & Trade Portal.
I’m about to revisit Toronto, and want to gorge on street art… Were you there recently, can you suggest particular hot spots? I know Graffiti Alley (aka Rant Alley), the alley behind Ossington, the whole alley stretch both n. and s. of Queen West, also parallel to Danforth in the east .. but all this in general. If you have a specific current favourite, do tell!
Penny, with all your wonderful walking-around knowledge, you’re a much better guide than me. I like the Kensington Market alley ways, but that’s not off the beaten track. I was over in Little India in December and saw some great street art but didn’t have my camera with me then — too cold to lug around — 😦 .
Hope your trip is terrific, by the way!
Well, I’ve a few Toronto ‘sherpas’ to depend on, so we shall see. And weather will be friendlier when I’m there, thank goodness.
🙂
then again, sometimes all you have to do is walk up/down Pape Avenue..
🙂
I agree with Wendy that these artists are very skilled and talented but it’s annoying to see it in non-designated places. However, it’s definitely become much more sophisticated from what I remember years ago; it’s been recognised as a true art form as it should be.
Very much so. 🙂
Not that I’m an artist, but wow, there is some talent there !! And such vibrant colors! Thanks so much for sharing !!
Good eye candy! 🙂
Terrific artistry.
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, talented artist –
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I always find that graffiti art seems to reflect the culture surrounding its creations, Brett. Such is the case here in Chicago; the graffiti art often captures many of the dark and desperate lives of the artist. I quite like the Toronto art you have presented, Brett! It feels much more uplifting than that which I see here! Cher xo
That’s an interesting observation, Cher, and makes sense to me. You’ve made me curious about Chicago-area graffiti.
Your post and comment have inspired me to do a post about that very thing, Brett! I shall report back soon. Thank you for the inspiration! Cher xo
That sounds great! I’ll look forward to it. 🙂
Thank you, Brett! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this! I was born and raised in Toronto–still a Canadian but living in Iowa 🙂 Love Street Art.
At least you still get your fair share of winter weather in Iowa! 🙂
Yes, very true.
I remember the Kensington market and Queen West graffiti on last visit 2017. Eve
ry city has it own art corners. New Delhi has joined the queue.
Awesome! 🙂
Amazing pieces !!!!!!!!
🙂
Love your shots of Toronto graffiti .
Thanks!
Reblogged this on My Life on the Chicago # 36 Bus and commented:
Here is a blog from O’Canada. I used to live in Toronto and did not associate wall art with htere. As you know, I love wall art. Enjoy this and visit the source for more
Nice!
🙂
Reblogged this on From 1 Blogger 2 Another.
I have been to Toronto and loved it!
However, I missed the graffiti, Such a shame because I love street art 🙂
It’s a terrific city!
Nice ❤ ❤
🙂
I love taking pictures of the street art in every city I visit. Last October, while in Brooklyn, we took a guided tour with a guy working with local artists, and it was very eye opening. From graffiti and simple tagging, to elaborated and allowed murals, I learnt a lot, and appreciate what I see even more now 🙂
That tour sounds like a great way to pick up on things not readily apparent to the casual observer. For the same reason I always try to have my camera at hand to catch street art and scenes. 🙂
It was… we even got to watch some artists working on a mural, live. I’ll try to prepare a post about the different street art pieces I gathered along my travels 🙂
Wonderful! 🙂