ART WITHOUT A FRAME
This new volume arrives at a time when the urban art scene is more vibrant and relevant than ever, capturing the monumental scale and evolving nature of murals in cities across the globe.
Following Michael Harker’s successful book Icons of Street Art, his latest work documents how this art form has moved beyond its origins, becoming a key feature of urban revitalization, a beacon for cultural tourism, and a powerful platform for social commentary. Masters of Street Art showcases stunning, large-format photographs of murals in major cities, highlighting the artists who have transformed public spaces into captivating, permanent installations. The book also provides a look into the global network of street art festivals, like Vienna’s Calle Libre, that are fostering a new generation of artists and bringing communities together.
The book’s foreword, written by Austrian rapper Jakob Kattner, offers a deeply personal insight into the art form’s appeal. „This is arguably the most democratic art form in the world,“ Kattner states. „It is not hidden behind museum revolving doors and the sterile walls of the white cube galleries. It is available to everyone at any time, 24/7. You don’t need to buy a ticket or study art to be moved by the images.“ This sentiment resonates particularly today, as art continues to be democratized through digital platforms and social media, allowing artists to reach global audiences instantly.
The World’s Largest Open-Air Galleries
One of the most beautiful and prominent examples employing this modern art form is the 13th arrondissement in Paris. The former industrial district is defined by the high-rise buildings south of Place d’Italie and along Boulevard Vincent Auriol.
Another world-known example is the municipality of Loures, located north-east of Lisbon, harnessed the creativity and inspiration of street artists to transform a socially disadvantaged area into a massive open-air gallery, which has profoundly changed the lives of residents many of who were refuges in the Quinta do Mocho neighborhood as they can identify more with their district through the distinctive art project.
The book will be published by teNeues, features 352 pages, approx. 200 color photographs, the text is in English and German. The publication date for europe is November 3 in 2025