Chalk Art. Street Painting
by Juli Scalzi
Title
Chalk Art. Street Painting
Artist
Juli Scalzi
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Denver Chalk Art Festival on Larimer Square. May 31-June 1, 2014.
Omar Rayyan's "Contessa with Squid" being created with chalk on the street . . .
The Festival follows street painting traditions that originated in 16th century Renaissance Italy when artists began transforming asphalt into canvas using chalk. The artists were called "madonnari," after their customary practice of recreating chalk paintings of the Madonna. Historically, madonnari were known for their life of travel and freedom, making their living from coins received from passers-by.
With World War II came many hardships, greatly reducing the number of these artists. The art form was not officially brought back to life until 1972 when the small town of Grazie di Curtatone in Italy started the first International Street Painting Competition. Today, artists worldwide are taking to the streets, bringing with them new ideas, techniques, and excitement for this ancient form of expression. Handmade French pastels have replaced the simple chalks previously used and the paintings have become complicated images of traditional master-style works, modern pieces, and surreal chalk art creations.
Uploaded
June 1st, 2014
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