GOOGLE SHOWCASES THE WORLD AS A CANVAS

Google’s digital project lets you explore street art from around the world with its Street Art Project - an ongoing collection of art from the streets.

From Poland’s Academy of Fine Arts in Lodz to Avenida Italia in Quilmes, Buenos Aires – Google’s Street Art Project lets users explore an evolving collection of street art from across the globe.

Street art fans can immerse themselves in a world of prowling foxes on lonely walls, supernatural symbolism, murals on a grand scale, tiny hard-to-spot icons, or trompe l’oeil techniques that use physical details of the wall itself to trick the eye.

It’s not just about spraypaint - other exhibits demonstrate signature styles of the artist, like JR’s large-scale and evocative photo-portraits, Roa’s animals, Vhils’ etching or Os Gemeos surrealism.

Some of the work curated was created as a means of expression and activism, like the Chilean open-sky museums of La Pincoya and San Miguel, which were born as community projects to transform poverty-stricken neighborhoods, or to make a political statement like in London and Atlanta.

On the interactive hub, you can watch artists share their stories and get up close to details with high definition imagery and see every detail with immersive images. It also encourages you to be a spotter and join the community by using the #streetartproject to “share your finds and make street art live on forever”.

You can also browse digital exhibits of street art from around the world and learn about the origins of the street art movement, including the famous 5Pointz in Queens, New York, which for over a decade, was home to thousands of artists throughout the globe.

Under the curatorial direction of the multi-talented Jonathan “Meres” Cohen, the walls of the 200,000 square foot factory served as the world's premiere open air aerosol museum. Located at Jackson Avenue and Davis Street in Long Island City, 5Pointz was a Mecca of creativity, attracting droves of visitors daily.

On weekends, MCs, musicians and break dancers added yet another exuberant dimension to 5Pointz's distinct energy. This all came to a halt on November 19, 2013 when, under the direction of the building's owners, the walls of 5Pointz were whitewashed.

“The transient nature of street art means it can be at risk of being scrubbed out and lost forever to its legions of fans,” says Google Cultural Institute’s Programme Manager, Lucy Schwartz.

“But long after the paint has faded from the walls, technology can help preserve street art, so people can discover it wherever and whenever they like.

“Compare the global nature of the Street Art produced in Mexico, which has a long and vibrant history of muralism, to the scene in thePhilippines, which is just developing. Street art may be temporary on our walls and sidewalks, but its beauty and vibrancy live on, on the web.”