English
Street art in Amsterdam sounds like funky music, has a lot of rhythm, it´s just like a trip.
Today, the City Council is looking for measures to de-criminalize this practice by creating specific areas where you can go bombing (do graffiti). There are also measures underway to legitimize the most acclaimed graffiti artists and for their work to be acknowledged as art, promoting their exhibitions and works (bringing some to museums from the streets).
Despite that painting on walls is as old as mankind, it wasn´t until the 70s that this movement began to materialize in Amsterdam. Graffiti artists, also known as ´writers´, have their roots in the punk movement. This art was born with an activist base as poetry of a revolution, being used as a way of expressing the discontent of the people against the politico-social class and the economic system of the time.
Some names to remember
Shoe. He´s a graffiti artist that´s been active since 1979, forming the Crime Time Kings collective in the 80s. At that time, he carried out his transition to the legal world by creating his own brand. His style is known as calligraffiti.
Another important ´writer´ is Ottograph, with clear pop art influences that can be seen all over the city and across the world. He works for such polarized companies such as Greenpeace and Mercedes-Benz.
Mickey is a graffiti artist that has the presence of eyeballs in her paintings as her trademark.
Hugo Mulder, aka DHM, has been covering the streets of Amsterdam with his unique black and white style since the 80s, a style that reminds us of a tattoo.
Lastplak, a group of 9 artists with diverse techniques and baggages, have a common goal: to paint, no matter on what surface, what size or where.
IVES, founder of different collectives, has carried out works for different companies, but still loves to leave his mark on the streets. That´s why his work can be seen all over the world, from Amsterdam to New York.
Other important names that we can admire across the city are BUSTart, Zaira, Skatin Chinchilla, MLSS, Karma83 and Seifrei.
It´s undeniable that the artists that Amsterdam brings up is unstoppable.
For the urban art route, we recommend that you go around the area of the North Sea. Also around the east of the city towards Flevopark you can find a skate park where bombing is legal.
The Red Light District is also a place you should visit. Don´t forget to see the mural of the women at Dollebegijnensteeg, close to the canal. Crossing towards Spuistraat you can see a giant technicolor snake wrapped around one of the typical long Dutch houses.
In the city of Van Gogh and Rembrandt, street art has grown and has made a space for itself among fine arts just as it deserved to. The only things that change are the ways: one art is done on canvas and the other one can be done on any surface, whether it´s a wall on the street or a house or the coaches of a train.
Leave the museums for the tourists and, as a traveller, find the best avant-garde by wandering under the bridges of the city.
