Urban artists transform street art from rebellion to urbanism

A new generation of street artists is transforming urban spaces, moving from clandestine graffiti to professional urban art. Chilean artist Antonio Ona, known as ‘Muralonas’, transitioned from illegal painting in Barcelona to running a business that provides artistic interventions for local commerce and neighborhood associations.

While graffiti is often associated with vandalism and increased police surveillance, many artists born in the 1980s are now advocating for street art to play a larger role in urban planning. This movement seeks to use street art as a transformative tool for businesses, city urbanism, and entire towns, shifting the practice from an act of rebellion to a legitimate form of community engagement.