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We are thrilled to present our tenth annual recap of 2024, which features the most impactful street art murals of the year. To create this recap, we carefully selected one mural from each month that had the most significant impact and featured it in our editorial. Click on any month to explore the full editorial and discover the story behind each mural.
On our news page, you will find a carefully curated selection of stunning street art murals. These murals are created by some of the world’s most accomplished street artists, who use their unique styles and techniques to communicate their messages in a visually compelling way. Murals are powerful statements that address various injustices and promote hope for a better future. Whether it’s the fight against climate change or the struggle for social justice, these murals convey important messages that inspire people to take action.
We hope that our annual recap inspires all those who believe in the power of art to effect positive change in the world.
A daring group of Greenpeace activists climbed the glass towers of Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum to make a bold statement about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Using a work of art by the acclaimed American visual artist Shepard Fairey (OBEY) and Gazan photojournalist Belal Khaled, the activists unfurled a 60sqm striking illustration that captured the world’s attention.
The artwork depicts a young Palestinian child covered in blood, with a poignant caption that reads “Can you hear us?” and a sign in the centre that says “unmute“. The image was accompanied by a large banner that read “Ceasefire Now”, a powerful call to action to end the violence and suffering in the region.
Image Copyright ©Greenpeace Handout/MarioGomez
A recent mural that has caught everyone’s attention is Sokram‘s “The Absurd Walls” mural for the Muro Criticofestival in Cáceres, Spain. Inspired by the Greek myth of Sisyphus and the essay by Albert Camus, the mural talks about the absurdity of an existence condemned to making the same mistakes repeatedly.
The myth of Sisyphus tells us how he was blinded and condemned to push a stone forever towards the top of a mountain, knowing that he would fall back down to the valley again, from where he must pick it up and push it again to the summit, and so on indefinitely day after day until his death. Sokram draws inspiration from this mythical image by replacing the rock with the wall, creating a meta-history of their passion and profession as muralists.
The mural serves as an analogy for our own existence and highlights themes such as life’s absurdity, the world we live in, the eternal return, an artist’s self-demand, the boycott of oneself, and external and internal pressures.
Image Copyright Sokram
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the renowned Portuguese artist Bordalo II created a powerful and vibrant piece of art, a Big Trash Flamingo. The pink flamingo is a bold and unapologetically feminist statement, promoting equality and empowerment for women around the world.
Bordalo II is known for his unique approach to art, using discarded materials like plastics, car parts, and scrap metal to create stunning and thought-provoking sculptures about waste production and pollution. The Big Trash Flamingo is no exception – it’s a beautiful bright pink work of art that speaks to the artist’s commitment to environmentalism and social justice.
Image Copyright Bordalo II
British street artist D*Face‘s mural on “Books & Freedom” in downtown Houston was a powerful tribute to the importance of books in promoting diversity of opinions, tolerance, and freedom of speech.
The mural was created for the ‘Big Art Bigger Change‘ project, curated and produced by Street Art for Mankind. It is part of the third season of murals aimed at supporting Sustainable Development Goal #4, which focuses on ensuring quality education for all and #16.10, which concerns freedom of speech.
Image Copyright D*Face
Melbourne’s first official street art precinct in Mordialloc was curated by Juddy Roller, to transform neglected urban spaces into the vibrant Mordi Village Arts and Cultural Precinct.
The mural showcases Adnate’s interpretation of an ancient symbol of peace, the white dove, which has been used by many cultures throughout history as a powerful emblem of hope, purity, and freedom. The dove’s outstretched wings and fierce expression embody the idea that peace is not a passive state but a dynamic force that requires constant work and vigilance.
Image Copyright Juddy Roller
When Banksy’s provocative art meets the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival, the result is a potent fusion of creativity, activism, and social commentary. The crowd surfing inflatable depicts a packed migrant boat, a powerful commentary on the current refugee crisis.
Image © GraffitiStreet
Street artist Kevin Ledo and aptARTS founder Samantha Robison decided to paint a mural at Stone Day School, a special needs institution in Massachusetts. The mural was painted during the summer when the children were on break, thus making it a project without the students’ direct involvement and more of an exciting surprise on their return to school!
Image © aptARTS
In typical Banksy fashion, the anonymous street artist unveiled a new piece at Kew Bridge in London. Confirming the piece on Instagram, Banksy’s latest mural features a compelling image of a Mountain Gazelle precariously perched on the edge, with the ground giving way beneath its hooves. Adding to the tension is the presence of a CCTV camera, ominously pointing towards the animal, capturing its uncertain fate.
Image © Banksy
Land art installation “Opening Horizons,” was created by the renowned international artist Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada in collaboration with the Villablino City Council for Caminos Naturales, which captured the attention of art and inclusivity.
The monumental piece, depicting an athlete in a wheelchair, conveyed a powerful message about the importance of ensuring accessibility to forest areas for individuals with disabilities. The sheer scale of the artwork was amazing, and its message is both impactful and timely.
Image © Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada
Renowned artist Sonny Sundancer unveiled a monumental mural titled “Queen’s Pride” in the heart of Rego Park, Queens. The stunning mural was painted on the new Lion heart transitional residence by Westhab, and embodied a powerful message of protection, bravery, and unity.
The mural, spanning an impressive seven stories on the wall at 9262 Queens Blvd, serves as a compelling presence in the neighbourhood, resonating with the building’s purpose to provide a safe, uplifting space for individuals and families to find shelter, strength, and support for new beginnings.
Image © Sonny Sundancer
In the heart of Fredrikstad, Norway, a mural by artist Elisa Capdevila titled ‘Wounded Childhoods’ invites viewers to reflect on a pressing societal issue: the impact of excessive screen time on children.
This mural is a powerful commentary on the world our children inhabit today. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, it’s easy to overlook the consequences it may have on younger generations. Elisa Capdevila’s mural highlighted the unavoidable longing for genuine experiences and emotional richness that often get overshadowed by screens.
Image © Elisa Capdevila
Banksy delivered a powerful and evocative piece that draws inspiration from the iconic imagery of a nursing Madonna.” This artwork depicted a woman breastfeeding her baby, reminiscent of classical representations of maternal love and nurturing. However, true to Banksy’s style, the image is layered with profound symbolism and an unexpected twist that challenges viewers to confront harsh realities.
At first glance, the artwork appears to celebrate motherhood, portraying a moment of tenderness. Yet, upon closer inspection, the shocking twist revealed rusty water instead of milk, suggesting her ability to nourish has been compromised, facing extreme hardship, and signs of depletion and struggle.
Image © Banksy
2025!
We’re thrilled to bring you more exhilarating street art projects, artist interviews and murals in the upcoming year. We have enjoyed a decade dedicated to urban art and have written about so many murals and festivals over the years. To stay up-to-date with all the latest street art activities from Graffiti Street, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also, visit our news page regularly for the latest updates and news on the street art scene.
We wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year and look forward to sharing our passion for street art with you in 2025 at our brand NEW GALLERY space in West Street, Chichester!
