Ever noticed the colorful stickers adorning lamp posts, trash cans, and traffic signs while walking through the city? For some, these stickers may be an eyesore, but for sticker artists, they are a way to brighten up urban landscapes and leave their mark. In a recent AD.nl article, journalist Zoë van Leeuwen delves into the fascinating world of sticker art in The Hague, capturing the essence of this unique form of street art.
The article features prominent sticker artists such as Dorien, known online as Het Zusje, whose distinctive school photo from 1998 can be found on almost every street corner in The Hague. What started as an inside joke at work has now evolved into a massive sticker campaign, with over 60,000 stickers distributed. Dorien shares her perspective on why she sees the streets as a beautiful public atelier, transforming mundane objects like trash cans and electrical boxes into canvases for her art.
Veterans
Sticker veteran 10GU has been decorating the city with his creations for over fifteen years and has witnessed the evolution of the sticker movement in The Hague. He explains how stickers are a form of self-expression, rooted in the skate and hip-hop culture of the 1990s. Despite efforts by the city to remove stickers, the art form has seen a resurgence, particularly during the pandemic, and is now more appreciated than ever.
Illustrator Mick, also known as Fromthewrd, uses stickers as a creative outlet, emphasizing the passion and seriousness that goes into making them. While acknowledging that sticker art is technically a form of vandalism, Mick believes it brings joy and vibrancy to the streets. He shares anecdotes about encountering his own stickers in unexpected places, from Tokyo to near the North Pole, highlighting the global reach and community aspect of sticker art.
The article also touches on the upcoming street art exhibition titled ‘From Tag to Art‘ by the Haags Gemeentearchief, which will also feature works from local sticker artists. This exhibition aims to celebrate and preserve the contributions of graffiti art to the city’s public spaces, further legitimizing the art form.
Sticker art is more than just rebellious graffiti; it’s a way of storytelling, self-expression, and connecting with others. These small pieces of art act as “easter eggs” in the urban environment, providing delightful surprises for those who spot them. Whether you’re a seasoned sticker artist or simply appreciate the creativity they bring to city streets, this article offers an insightful look into the world of sticker art.
Read more about how sticker art is transforming urban spaces and the upcoming street art exhibition in The Hague featuring works from local sticker artists.
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