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6 Ways to Tell the Difference Between Street Art and Graffiti | Corey Barksdale Graphics

**Corey Barksdale**, a leading **Atlanta-based African American muralist and fine artist**, brings vibrant, socially engaged visuals to both city streets and gallery walls. As the urban art scene grows, the line between **street art** and **graffiti** continues to blur. Understanding the difference is essential for art lovers, collectors, and city officials alike. Here's how to distinguish the two, especially as they play out in places like the **Atlanta art gallery** scene.

### 1. Street Art Is Sanctioned; Graffiti Is Not
The most notable difference between street art and graffiti is legality. **Street art is usually commissioned, permitted, or created through public art programs**—while graffiti is typically unsanctioned and created without permission. In cities like Atlanta, programs such as Elevate Atlanta promote legal murals that beautify and uplift communities. Corey Barksdale’s murals, for example, are legally commissioned and often tied to cultural events and neighborhood revitalization.

### 2. Street Artists Work in Daylight; Graffiti Artists Work at Night
If you spot artists painting a wall in the middle of the day, it's likely a legal mural or piece of public art. **Street artists often work during the day with permission**, sometimes supported by lifts and scaffolding from city partners. In contrast, graffiti artists typically paint under the cover of darkness, trying to avoid detection. Corey Barksdale’s daytime mural work in places like **Decatur and Downtown Atlanta** is a hallmark of legitimate street art.

### 3. Street Artists Use Multiple Mediums; Graffiti Uses Aerosol
While both graffiti artists and street artists may use spray paint, **street artists also incorporate a wide range of materials**: acrylic, stencils, wheatpaste, metal, LED, projection mapping, and more. Corey Barksdale’s art, for instance, includes mixed media techniques rooted in **African American art traditions** and modern fine art practices.

Graffiti, on the other hand, is primarily executed with aerosol cans. The freehand mastery of spray paint defines graffiti as a visual style—fast, bold, and often coded with subcultural meaning.

### 4. Graffiti Is Harder to Read
Graffiti focuses on stylized text and signatures called “tags,” which often appear abstract or indecipherable to the untrained eye. Styles like **wildstyle** are intricate and layered with symbols, letters, and custom calligraphy. Graffiti may also include bubble letters, blockbusters, and tags.

In contrast, **street art is designed for readability and mass appeal**. Artists like Corey Barksdale use expressive figures, bold color schemes, and storytelling imagery—making their message accessible to the general public.

### 5. Street Art Is Abstract or Figurative Public Art
**Street art often bridges abstraction and figurative representation**, merging fine art principles with urban environments. It is meant to spark dialogue, beautify public spaces, and resonate with diverse viewers. Corey's work often blends **jazz-inspired abstraction** with **African American historical themes**, demonstrating the flexibility of street art as an artistic platform.

Graffiti, meanwhile, focuses more on identity, territory, and style than public dialogue. It’s often misunderstood due to its secretive, coded nature.

### 6. Street Artists Sign with Real Names or Handles; Graffiti Artists Use Aliases
A key indicator of street art versus graffiti is how the work is signed. **Street artists typically use their full name or Instagram handle**, establishing their identity within the creative economy. Corey Barksdale signs his public murals clearly, offering a professional point of contact for commissions and gallery inquiries.

Graffiti artists often use pseudonyms—“superhero” style monikers that preserve anonymity and protect against legal consequences. These aliases are rarely connected to professional representation or public outreach.

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### Why It Matters for Atlanta’s Urban Art Scene
Understanding these differences is crucial as cities invest in art to strengthen communities. Artists like Corey Barksdale help redefine what urban art means—**bridging fine art, street culture, and African American identity** in meaningful and accessible ways.

Want to see the difference in real life? Visit the **Corey Barksdale Street Art Gallery**, where murals meet gallery canvases and urban visuals meet fine art collectors.

📍 Explore: CoreyBarksdale.com  
📩 Commission a mural or live painting: clow2ground@gmail.com

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**Takeaway**: Both street art and graffiti have deep roots and powerful voices. But **artists like Corey Barksdale** show how street art can transform public space into a canvas for culture, history, and beauty. Next time you're admiring an Atlanta mural, look for the signature—and remember the story it's trying to tell.