Street Stickers: Art That Sticks to the City

Stickers from street artists and graffiti writers hold a special place in the history of urban visual culture. Since the 1980s, writers and street artists have used them as a quick and effective way to leave their mark on the streets – faster than spray paint, less noticeable than murals, but still visually striking.

The first stickers were often hand-painted or drawn – so-called slaps – stickers that artists would prepare at home and then slap up around the city. Their advantage was speed of application and the possibility for customization – each one could be different, unique. Today, these originals are highly sought after by collectors.

With the rise of street art, iconic designs emerged. Shepard Fairey launched his legendary Obey Giant campaign through stickers featuring the face of wrestler André the Giant. Banksy, though known for his stencils, also used stickers as part of his guerrilla tactics. FAILE, D*Face, BNE, and Kaws were among those who used stickers to spread their work across global metropolises.

Today, street stickers come in all forms – from hand-made slaps to professionally printed commercial collaborations with fashion brands. Some artists create limited editions and sign them, turning the sticker into a collectible piece.

Stickers are not just advertisements but also a form of resistance, expression, and identity – and above all, they remain fresh, living street art.