The underrated art form that is wheat pasting

Generally when you hear the term ‘street art’ one tends to think of graffiti, spray paint and vandalism first. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the many other forms of street art. One form specifically stands out to me the most.

Wheat pasting!

What is wheat pasting?

It’s a gel or liquid adhesive made from wheat flour, or starch, and water. It’s been used for donkey years for various arts and crafts such as book binding, collage, papier-mâché, and most recently for me for adhering paper posters to walls. If you are like me and can’t master the art of a spray paint can all too well, but you thoroughly enjoy simple drawing and illustrations in your downtime, and you have a passion for street art, then wheat paste artworks is the way to go.

OBEY

In my opinion, the #1 rated artist is Shepard Fairey, he inspired me to do this specific form of street art. Shepard Fairey is a wheat pasting artist from the USA better known as ‘OBEY’. He has created massive mural art works all over the world with this technique. The artwork that got him known throughout the street art scene is called ‘Andre the Giant’. OBEY, who is also a graphic designer, is world famous now for creating the illustration of Barak Obama’s “hope” poster while he ran for president.

OBEY has done many art works for the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, Zeigiest, Led Zeppelin, The Black Eyed Peas and has also done collaborative work with the famous Banksy.

Shepard’s career has been one of dreams to the creative minded person. From humble begins as a simple street artist, to graphic designer, then to owning one of the best graphics agencies in the world, all while starting a clothing label and still creating massive murals of street art world wide. He truly is a man to look up to!

Find Part 2 of this article here.

Sound Idea Digital specialises in Digital Marketing and Web Development | soundwebdevelopment.co.za
Naushad is a Graphic Designer for Sound Idea Digital | naushad@soundidea.co.za

*Sound Idea Digital does not advocate or promote vandalism in any way or form. All street art should be conducted with a legal permit and with the owner’s permission.