Street art is important in so many ways. I really believe that humanity is at a crossroads right now, where we can either level up or destroy ourselves. A lot of that, I feel, hinges on whether we can learn to set aside the petty tribalism that can divide us, and learn to get along– thinking and acting on a species-wide level, with compassion for each other as humans.

“If two people both see something that surprises, or uplifts, or amuses them- they have shared a moment of humanity”

The way street art fits into that is this: Art is a uniter, it can cause people to realize their shared emotions. If two people both see something that surprises, or uplifts, or amuses them- they have shared a moment of humanity. Whether it’s a transcendent image, or delightful splash of color, or something funny that gives them a giggle… it works the same way. It also takes people out of their daily grind for just a moment and gifts them with an experience of “surprise and delight”.

“People need to be able to express themselves to each other, to be seen and heard”

That is particularly needed when more of us are living in cities. In places like the Northeastern US cities can be grey and impersonal, and people can spend much of their lives in a programmed rush from one task to another. To live in cities well, and sustainably, we need to personalize them. People need to be able to express themselves to each other, to be seen and heard. The surfaces we pass by and interact with every day should be pleasing to us, or thought-provoking, and human-scale. Every time I’ve seen people react to street art it’s been with delight, and with an opinion they can share with their neighbor. Street art can be a way we talk with each other and a vehicle for our diverse but shared culture.

Q. What is your favorite piece & why?