Hey rebels, Thomas here with TWO TWO, and in this article we'll be answering the question, what is Extreme Art?
So let's get right into it!
Extreme Art is art without boundaries. Art that defies the status quo to inspire change.
It refers to the radical graffiti revolution happening in city streets all across the globe, from the subways of New York City to the walls of London and Paris.
In fact, as you read this, a bold new generation of creative dissidents and disruptors are turning entire city streets into living museums!
Inspired by renegade visionaries like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat, this generation proudly preserves the creative flame and innovative spirit that continues to shatter boundaries and captivate millions.
As the NFT space continues to shake-up the art industry, we expect the term 'Extreme Art' to be the prime expression highlighting this phenomenon.
So Where Did It All Begin?
Extreme Art originated in the late 1960s with the experimental pop-art movement. It continued to flourish and develop throughout the 70s and 80s.
During that time, Andy Warhol, considered the godfather of pop culture, played a crucial role in the developing art scene.
Originally hailing from the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Warhol was an artist who combined elements from celebrity culture and the advertising space to create fascinating art.
Andy was an exceptionally imaginative artist who was able to leverage the up-and-coming art revolution of his time to pave the way for a whole new generation of creative rebels.
His talents ranged from painting and photography to film and sculpture.
Journey To The Factory
Originally a freelancer for various publishing agencies, Andy quickly became disillusioned by the commercialization of culture and expressed his views with art that critiqued it.
In fact, if you examine his most iconic depictions of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, you'll notice his paradoxical love and condemnation of what he perceives as the colorless, empty celebrity fame society glorifies.
Andy Warhol's work has influenced visionaries like Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Robert Rauschenberg, and Keith Haring.
His renowned 'office' playground, known as The Factory, has brought together unorthodox intellectuals, artists, and Hollywood celebrities.
This elite, creative playpen quickly caught the attention of wealthy patrons, and eventually became a gathering space for the rich and famous.
Today, The Factory's legacy continues to fuel the creative spirit of modern Extreme Artists like Banksy, Brainwash, Nick Walker and Denis Ouch.
Among those it inspired was Jean-Michel Basquiat, an iconic visionary and street artist.
Basquiat first achieved fame as a graffiti artist who decorated the broken-down walls of New York City with enigmatic depictions that observed the inequalities between extreme wealth and poverty.
His art drew inspiration from the emerging hip-hop and punk rock scenes of the 70s and 80s. By combining poetry and history, Basquiat was able to produce rivetting works of true originality.
Conclusion
As you observe the growing influence of contemporary artists like Banksy, BLU, and Vhils, you'll notice that Extreme Art has become a cultural phenomenon that has penetrated the modern art world.
From small graffiti to large-scale murals that decorate walls and streets, Extreme Art continues to illuminate city streets around the world from New York to Paris, all the way to Singapore and Moscow.
Extreme Art. Art without boundaries.
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