Mural art has existed since prehistoric times as cave paintings. Ancient civilizations used murals for communication and survival. Renaissance artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci created famous murals
Street art dates back to 7000 BC cave paintings in Argentina. Ancient Roman and Greek cities featured graffiti for protest and communication. Kilroy character appeared during World War II as a military propaganda tool
Graffiti has evolved from vandalism to respected art form. Artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey have influenced the genre. Graffiti has become more accessible in about 30 years
Stenciling creates patterns by applying pigment through holes in intermediate objects. Stencil can be made from paper, plastic, wood or metal with cut-out designs. Key advantage is reusability for rapid production of same designs
Street art is visual art created in public locations for public visibility. Evolved from defiant graffiti to more commercial art form. Often uses unconventional media like LED art and stencils. Artists often work with permission or commission
Street art emerged in 1960s New York during city's financial crisis. Started in Spanish Harlem with creative kids using public spaces. Martha Cooper documented movement in 1970s and published "Subway art". Artists like Keith Haring and Basquiat brought street art to museums in 1980s