Top 10 Urban Artists of 2022: Exploring the World of Street Art and Graffiti

March 10, 2023

Urban art, also known as street art or graffiti art, has been making a significant impact on the art world in recent years. The genre is diverse and constantly evolving, with new artists emerging all the time. In this post, we'll be looking at the top 10 urban artists of 2022 and the estimated value of some of their works based on recent sales and auctions.

Banksy - Stencil and Spray Paint

Banksy is undoubtedly the most famous urban artist in the world. His works have become iconic, often featuring political or social commentary. One of his most famous works is "Girl with Balloon," which sold for over $25 million at auction. Another notable work is "Laugh Now," a piece featuring a monkey with a sign that reads "Laugh now, but one day we'll be in charge."

Shepard Fairey - Screenprinting and Mixed Media

Shepard Fairey rose to prominence with his "Obey" campaign, featuring the face of wrestler Andre the Giant. Since then, he has created many political and social pieces, including the famous "Hope" poster for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. One of his most valuable works is "Obey Lotus," a screenprint featuring the iconic image of Andre the Giant's face with a lotus flower in the background.

JR - Photography and Wheatpaste

JR is a French artist known for his large-scale, black-and-white portraits. His work often focuses on social issues and has been exhibited in public spaces around the world. One of his most famous works is "The Wrinkles of the City," a series of portraits featuring elderly people in cities around the world.

Invader - Mosaic Tile

Invader is a French artist who gained notoriety for his pixelated images inspired by old-school video games. His works can be found on buildings and public spaces in cities around the world, and he has even sent pieces to space. One of his most valuable works is "Space Invader on Yellow," a mosaic piece featuring his signature pixelated alien on a bright yellow background.

D*Face - Screenprinting and Mixed Media

D*Face is a British artist known for his provocative imagery and pop-art influenced style. One of his most valuable works is "Death Cheater," a screenprint featuring a skull wearing a motorcycle helmet and the words "Death Cheater" in bold letters.

Faile - Printmaking and Mixed Media

Faile is a New York-based art collective known for their vibrant and layered pieces that combine elements of street art, pop culture, and fine art. One of their most valuable works is "The Size of the Fight," a mixed media piece featuring a collage of images and text.

Vhils - Sculpture and Mixed Media

Vhils, whose real name is Alexandre Farto, is a Portuguese artist known for his unique carving technique. He creates portraits by chiseling away at walls, using explosives, and other methods. Some of his most valuable works include "Fragmentos" (2019), a mixed media piece that sold for €200,000, and "Untitled (Lisboa)" (2018), a carved portrait that sold for €150,000.

Swoon - Printmaking and Mixed Media

Swoon, whose real name is Caledonia Curry, is an American artist known for her large-scale, intricately detailed pieces. She often incorporates elements of printmaking and collage into her works. Some of her most valuable works include "Thalassa" (2019), a mixed media piece that sold for $105,000, and "Deborah and Barak" (2018), a screenprint that sold for $45,000.

Conor Harrington - Oil Paint

Conor Harrington is an Irish artist known for his figurative paintings that often incorporate elements of street art. His works are often inspired by history, politics, and war. Some of his most valuable works include "Watchtower" (2019), an oil painting that sold for £325,000 at auction, and "The Duel of Bristol" (2017), an oil painting that sold for £200,000.

Maya Hayuk - Mural Painting and Mixed Medi

Maya Hayuk is an American artist known for her colorful, geometric murals. She often incorporates elements of graffiti and street art into her works. Some of her most valuable works include "Magic Mountain" (2019), a mural that sold for $85,000, and "Mirror Mantra" (2016), a mixed media piece that sold for $50,000.

Urban art is an exciting and dynamic genre, with many talented artists pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The top 10 urban artists of 2022 are a diverse group, each with their own unique style and approach. Whether you're a fan of graffiti, street art, or something in between, there's sure to be an artist on this list who captures your imagination. And who knows - maybe one day you'll be lucky enough to own one of their valuable works.

Back to blog