Vandalism or Resistance? NYC Street Art Tell Its Own Story

Street Art and Graffiti is more than just vandalism; it has became the people's way of reclaiming their broken city.

In times like 1950-1970s New York City wasn't in a great state; it transformed into urban decay in places like the Bronx and Brooklyn. Graffiti was a way for youth in the boroughs to rebel against the neglect they faced. They used places like subway cars and crumbling walls as canvases. Street art was a way of getting their name known in the world where they were ignored.

In 1970 New York City graffiti artists realized that high volume visibility was key to achieving fame. As an example Taki 183 was a teen who just started putting his name everywhere he went and became one of the icons of graffiti.

Photo credit: Sophie Rivera

Photographer Sophie Rivera once said, “The spirit of the 20th century will be immortalized by the power of its graffiti writers.” Graffiti was used as a source of getting away and showing emotions through art . During the 1970s-1990s in New York City a lot of the time showing emotion would get you killed or have you killing someone. The City that never sleeps had a per capita homicide rate of 25.8 per 100,000 people.

Graffiti has been a global tool for years for public activism. Reported on BBC “The street art that expressed the worlds pain” showing during the tragic event of George Floyd's death by cop people painting murals of him. Street art has become an unstoppable form of resistance for the Black Lives Matter movement, even when public demonstrations are restricted.

Forsyth Satellite Academy student Orlando better known as 'Chuli' is an emerging street artist to watch. His work is defined by intense, raw emotion and a talent that captures the energy of the city. As he continues to refine his craft, Chuli aims to bridge the gap between street culture and gallery spaces, bringing the voice of his generation to the forefront of the art world. When I asked Orlando what advice he has for the kids trying to pursue their dream in art he said “Keep that Love, keep that passion. Don't ever let your art feel like its a job that it stresses you out, stay delusional with all your ideas they will keep you going. If you can see it and believe it then you can make it happen. Learn to promote yourself at an early start of your career and find your audience."

Artist: Chuli

While NYC is far safer today than decades in the past with major crimes hitting historic lows in early 2026, the city’s constant evolution means residents remain vigilant about cyclical safety concerns. However with global tensions rising it is almost certain that city walls will see an increase in raw, emotional street art expressing public anxiety.