Mission School - An American Flavor of Street Art

The Introduction & HistoryThe Details
The Mission School derives its name from MissionMission School is the self-proclaimed creativity of the
District, better known as 'The Mission,' near Sancommon person on the streets. This is opposed to the
Francisco, US. As the name suggests, it is a regionalart that comes from the house of learned, highbrow
art movement. Beginning in the 1990s, the alumni of theartists of the yesteryears. Creating their low-tech
San Francisco Art Institute founded it. The schoolworks, the Mission School artists employ
remains active even today. The freelance writer Glenunconventional tools, like aerosol paints, correction
Helfand first suggested the term 'Mission School' in thewhitener (used in stationery), usual house paint, pencils,
alternative weekly San Francisco Bay Guardian. In duepens, trash material, found objects, and scrap board.
course, the popularity and the reach of thisThe results are vibrant thought-provoking imagery,
provocative art form kept growing. This made thereflecting upon the mood of the artists, and calling its
Mission District a hub of the intoxicating twentiethviewers for action.
century street art.The Artists and the Artworks
The CorrelationsThe best collections of street art in Mission District can
The biggest selling point of the Mission School is that itbe found on the 24th Street and Clarion Alley. The
identifies with the modern popular culture. It isClarion Alley Mural Project sponsored hundreds of
characteristically an eclectic mix of street art in varioussuch murals with arrangements for guided tours for
forms, driven by the varying passions of the artiststhe visitors. Some of the lead names of international
from different backgrounds. The vibrant executions offame associated with the Mission School are Barry
the school carry the elements of the SurrealistMcGee (b. 1966), Jo Jackson, R. Crumb (b. 1943), Ruby
Movement of the 1920s, Mexican Mural Movement ofNeri (b. 1970), Swoon, Margaret Kilgallen (1967-2001),
the 1930s, Pop Art (Britain and US) of the 1950s, PunkClare Rojas, Shepard Fairey (b. 1970), Alicia McCarthy,
Graffiti Art of the 1970s, Cartoons, Sign Painting, HoboSpain Rodriguez (b. 1940), Chris Johanson (b. 1968),
Art, and Graffiti style of guerilla marketers, amongRigo (b. 1966), and Margaret Kilgallen (1967-2001).
others.McGee's adopted moniker 'Twist' has become his
Primarily revolving around symbolized sentiments,major signature tag work with a massive following
Mission Art focuses on the social, political, cultural, andamong the art lovers. Despite the prevalent depressive
the commercial aspects of everyday life. Often, itmood, his creations find strong favors in the Mission
represents the existing state and allied transitions in theSchool. Among the other significant examples of
contemporary society. On the other hand, it embodiesMission Art are 'Graffiti Horse' by Ruby Neri and mural
activism and seeks change. For instance, globalpainting at LACMA parking garage by Margaret
environmental concerns are styled as Eco-warriorKilgallen.
artworks.