Brazilian Urban Art: From Street to Chic

There has always been something fascinatingartists have an energy that is quite distinct from
about the allure of Brazilian culture that hasother common street art cultures. European and
caused people from around the world to want toeven Argentine street artists have a tendency to
latch on to its magic. From Carnival to Bossafocus on design processes, directing much of their
Nova to Victoria’s Secret models—theenergies towards stenciling and similar techniques.
world wants what Brazil has. When it comes toBrazilian artists, while incorporating some of these
urban art (commonly referred to aspractices, pride themselves in their individuality and
“street” art), Brazil is home to some ofapply more of a manual tradition to their street
the most innovative and inspiring artists to date.works. This sense of artistry is what makes
The definition of street art, known by some asthese young “Paulistas” stand out in the
Graffiti, is “a Form of visual communicationworld of urban art.
involving the unauthorized marking of public spaceWith big name brands such as Nike working
by an individual or group.”alongside young Brazilian street artists to design
It is true that in cities around the world, manycampaigns and merchandise, it is only a matter of
artists have risked delinquency for years in ordertime before this urban uprising becomes a bona
to display their works. In Brazil, however,fide art form. Brazilian artist Titi Freak recently
authorities stay hushed in light of the cultural valuegained a Nike sportswear sponsorship, which has
that can be seen in these artistic displays. Afterhelped him to publish his first book, the 200-page
having gained recognition in the streets, theseFreak, which is available at Choque Cultural gallery.
artists are quickly translating their works intoFurthermore, in June of 2009, Nike launched
collectable pieces such as paintings, prints, photos,“Movimento Canarinho” – a 100%
fashion and more. This new generation of talentBrazilian campaign inspired by Brazilian street art
has garnered a legion of faithful and surprisinglyand street soccer. The turn around will be seen
young followers, and in turn is becoming a focusfrom the sales of a limited-edition product line
point in the ever-expanding Latin American artinspired by the Brazilian street culture. Now is the
scene.time for investors to think outside of the box by
When Brazilian fashion marketing wiz Baixo Ribeirosponsoring a young talent, commissioning a mural,
took notice of his young son’s collection ofor even starting a product line featuring
local urban artwork, he thought: there is more to“street design.” When it comes to
this than graffiti. Having spent years incorporatinginvestment potential, we are really just beginning
local street artists into his network of fashionto see the turn around in this area. At first glance
moguls, Mr. Ribeiro took the next logical step andit would appear that young collectors of street art
founded urban art gallery Choque Cultural. Sincehave little knowledge of their acquisitions. Their
2000 the gallery has featured the works of someimpulse to purchase is do to the fact that they
of the city’s finest street artists and hasidentify with the work from an artistic or cultural
gained international acclaim as being one of thestandpoint. Mr. Ribeiro mentioned one such young
most unique and inspiring galleries in São Paulo.collector who entered his gallery not long ago with
According to Mr. Ribeiro, there couldn’t be aa poster that he had purchased at $60 reales.
better time to take notice of the street artThat same work is now worth nearly three times
movement. Specifically, he notes that Brazilianthe price and will surely continue to acquire value.