Censorship in Street Art: A Fight for Expression

This archive explores the complex relationship between street art and censorship. We delve into the various forms of censorship, from the removal of murals to the legal battles faced by artists. Discover how artists creatively circumvent restrictions, transforming limitations into opportunities for powerful statements. Examine the ethical considerations, the impact on urban landscapes, and the fight for artistic freedom in public spaces. Explore case studies from around the globe, showcasing the diverse responses to censorship and its lasting effects on the urban art scene.

Art Censorship - China Censors Heart Noose

Art censorship is not new, nevertheless it’s a problem everyone should care about. Paintings, images, murals, posters, stickers, and photos are transporting subtexts and opinions which is why certain governments, lobbies and other powerful people try to control those message by the use of extensive censorship… The latest popular example of art censorship is the story of British graffiti artist Shok-1 and his Heart Noose mural in China: Invited by the Chinese government to paint a huge mural back in 2011, Shok-1 painted a somehow controversial piece showing nothing more than a heart-shaped noose. I for one don’t know the deeper meaning of this symbol, nevertheless Chinese politicians decided to censor the mural by reinterpreting the entire image. Now, several weeks later, Shok-1 had the chance to revive his mural in London - far away from the Chinese governments reach… ...

Web Censorship is Urban Censorship!

Today is the international blackout day against SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect Intellectual Property Act), two bills which currently are on their way through the legislative process in the USA and whose aim is to censor our beloved internet - the majority of you already know that. Like Wikimedia, Google, Wordpress and other internet-affine companies and foundations, also Urbanartcore wants to set at least a small sign of solidarity with all those who are protesting against these content mafia bills, infringing free expression while harming the Internet. We are going to replace the logo with a pixelated version and ask you to join the protests, because these US bills will definitely affect the entire interweb! The reason: ...

Urban Art Censorship

Political Street Art | Right, it’s not a new topic but today I want to write down some of my thoughts about censorship in the urban arts. The reason for that decision was first the fact that the dollar-coffin mural by Blu was painted over just a couple of hours after it was completed, because of objections by a museum’s director. Second, it’s because of the fact that we have the ARTAQ Urban Art Awards in town, which is somehow supported by the Reporters Without Borders. ...