Hey, art lovers! 👋 In this blog post, we’re going to explore intersectionality in international street art. We’ll delve into the ways race, gender, and identity are represented and portrayed in this form of art. But first, let’s understand what intersectionality means.

What is Intersectionality?

Intersectionality is the interconnectivity between different systems of oppression like race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and disability. Kimberlé Crenshaw, a civil rights activist, and legal scholar introduced this concept in the late 1980s. She argues that people experience different forms of oppression based on their intersecting identities.

A digital art portraying a person with different connected lines signifying the concept of intersectionality.

Street Art and Intersectionality

Street art is an art form that involves creating public art on walls, buildings, and other outdoor spaces. It is a beautiful way to make a statement, effect change, and represent underrepresented voices. Street art is an inherently intersectional art form because it happens in the public sphere, where diverse people interact with these artworks.

Let’s talk about how street art addresses race, gender, and identity.

Race

Many street artists use their work to address issues related to race. It can be through artwork that directly depicts people of color, touches on cultural significance, or addresses cultural appropriation and stereotypes. Street artists encourage viewers to think about the way that race operates in society and the importance of social justice.

A street art portrait of a woman of African descent wearing a headwrap and jewelry with traditional patterns. She has a piercing gaze, and the piece has a background of warm colors related to African soil and sunsets.

Gender

Gender is another topic that street artists tackle through their work. Street art often undermines gender norms by portraying both masculinity and femininity in different ways. For example, we see women depicted in traditional male roles like construction workers and men wearing feminine dress-up. These artworks challenge gender stereotypes and highlight the fluidity of gender identity.

A mural portraying a woman sitting on a stool, holding a guitar and singing her heart out with crema and teal colors surrounding her. A quote at the bottom reads, "Girls, wanna have funds."

Identity

Identity is a complex system that is intersectional in nature. Street art has always been about identity, and artists use it to bring attention to the experience of being an outsider. Street art represents different ideas of identity through visual imagery like Black Lives Matter, the LGBTQ+ community, and the representation of different cultures.

A beautiful mural depicting a woman belonging to an indigenous tribe wearing traditional attire and holding a spear is the focal point of a colorful and intricate mural.

Conclusion

Intersectionality is a crucial aspect of street art, and it enables artists to portray social justice issues and represent underrepresented voices. We have seen how street art addresses the intersection of race, gender, and identity and challenges the norms put in place by society. Street art is a powerful medium that has the ability to change mindsets and bring about social change.

Thanks for reading! ✨

A digital artwork showing three different street art pieces representing intersectionality. One features a woman of color, the second a person of the LGBTQ+ community, and the third one the word "Justice" written in bold letters.