Dare I begin with the $120,000 Art Basel banana? That was all over social media and made the cover of the New York Post; a ripe banana duct-taped to the wall, all in the name of art.
People were fascinated by it. It caused a spectacle. My mother texted me (six times), “Did you and Basel see this $120,000 banana?” When responding no, I also informed her that Basel is actually the name of the art fair.
I never did encounter the famed fruit. However, I did see a massive teapot-wearing alligator come to life, by Saturnoart at Mana Wynwood (via Superchief Gallery). I met half of the artist-duo Pichiavo, and viewed a spectacular collection of their artwork in South Beach and Wynwood. While influencers, art critics and scholars debated the banana’s status in the cultural canon, the Internationally renowned artist and wildlife advocate Sonny painted a huge mural of a tiger. That was hypnotic, and looked so realistic it could leap out and pounce you.
Since the inception of Street Art United States in 2012, it has evolved into a force, powered by a community of people that seek information from an authentic source. About artists, murals, public art projects, art festivals, and exhibitions from all over the world. Thank you for your continued support. We are committed to being a dependable outlet about global street-art, and sharing information about the many talented artists that make our world more colorful.
I also want to thank our superstar team of contributors; Vittoria Benzine, Hannah Judah and Barbara Picci. Barbara selects many of the murals that are shared on our Social Media, some that made it into this years’ top 20 list.
As we close out the decade and look to define the path of a new one, here are 20 of the most influential murals in 2019…that did not elicit any texts from my mother.
Happy New Year!
