Street Art That Turned Walls into World News

Once dismissed as vandalism, street art has emerged as one of the most influential forms of contemporary expression. Across continents, towering murals and provocative public artworks have drawn international headlines, reshaping cityscapes and forcing conversations about politics, identity and power proving that sometimes the loudest statements are painted in silence.

Here are five truly monumental street art works that naturally grab attention and lend themselves to public and global discourse.

1. Banksy’s “Flower Thrower” (Jerusalem)

Created on the West Bank barrier, this iconic Banksy mural depicts a masked protester throwing a bouquet of flowers instead of a weapon, instantly blending political resistance with the symbolism of peace.

The artwork has become one of the most recognisable images of modern protest art, frequently resurfacing in global conversations about conflict, freedom of expression, and the role of art in political dissent.

2. Eduardo Kobra’s “Etnias” (Rio de Janeiro)

Covering more than 3,000 square metres, this massive mural celebrates indigenous cultures from five continents and was once listed by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest graffiti mural.

Painted ahead of the Rio Olympics, the work continues to draw attention to cultural diversity, indigenous identity, and the use of public art in urban renewal.

3. Blu’s Anti-Capitalist Murals (Berlin)

Italian street artist Blu created large-scale murals in Berlin critiquing capitalism, surveillance, and consumerism—so provocative that some were later deliberately erased to protest commercial exploitation.

The erasure itself became international news, reigniting debates about who owns public art and whether street art can—or should—be preserved.

4. JR’s “Inside Out” Global Street Portraits

French artist JR pastes giant black-and-white portraits of ordinary people on buildings worldwide, turning streets into galleries of human stories.

The project’s global scale and participatory nature have made it a recurring subject of news coverage, particularly around themes of migration, identity, and social justice.

5. Mural de Valparaíso by INTI (Valparaíso, Chile)

Painted on massive port infrastructure, this mural merges Andean symbolism with industrial urban life, transforming everyday working spaces into cultural landmarks.

This work highlights how street art is increasingly used to reclaim public space and redefine city identities.

These are noteworthy masterpieces governments can't decide if they should be protected.

Which one is your favourite?