Museum Urban(R)Evolution

Urban(R)Evolution chronicles the fascinating development of urban art, beginning with its early stages as tags, graffiti, and subway pieces, progressing through the influential middle period and, eventually, giving rise to street art. The art form originated with spray paint and wheat paste but quickly evolved to incorporate various techniques from around the globe. The explosive combination of graffiti, breakdancing, and rapping led to a worldwide eruption of popular expression.

The low barrier to entry, requiring artists to learn on the streets rather than in exclusive academies, allowed for widespread participation in the three distinct disciplines of music, dance, and painting, which had been largely inaccessible until the late 1970s and early 1980s. Ideas, fashion, music, dance, and imagery from urban art infiltrated mass media, becoming a defining aspect of popular culture. This captivating evolution is presented through the keen perspective of renowned photographer Martha Cooper.

The exhibition features immersive rooms that showcase the diverse art styles and techniques that have evolved from the inception of street art to the present day. Acclaimed Portuguese and international artists create these captivating installations from the movement.

The revolutionary aspect of the show lies in the intentional accessibility of the artwork from the urban art movement. The artists' openness to working on any surface and their use of diverse media and techniques were groundbreaking for a global art movement. Urban(R)Evolution explores the phenomenal creative explosion that swept across the world, facilitated by the power of mass media and the low barrier to entry for artists.