22 Piece of Graffiti In Virginia So Brilliant They Should Be In A Museum

By definition, "graffiti" refers to words or images that are painted or penned on public spaces - often illegally. Graffiti has existed for thousands of years, dating back as far back as Ancient Greece, Egypt, and the Roman Empire (source: Wikipedia). These works sometimes express political or social statements, but can also be a showcase of a simpler message. In the past, graffiti was an act of rebellion or destruction of a public place. But today, with artists like Banksy turning graffiti into a recognized art form, graffiti has it's own category in the artistic sphere. The following works show the broad range of expression, messaging, and backdrops that graffiti artists use to showcase their undeniable talent. Thanks to events like the Tom Tom Festival's Graffiti Battle in Charlottesville and the Richmond Street Arts Festival, graffiti has been elevated to a whole new level of artistic expression.

1. Street Art in Richmond

I can't help but wonder if this is a self-portrait of the artist making a larger statement?

2. Exhibit from the Graffiti Art Battle at Charlottesville's Tom Tom Festival 2015

Held at the annual Tom Tom Festival in Charlottesville, this competition pairs 6 street artists together for a live painting "battle."

3. Few & Far, Richmond Street Art Festival 2013

This stunning piece was created by female artists Ursula X. Young, Jenn Ponci, Hops, Miss Reds, and Meme as part of the Richmond Street Art Festival. The piece appeared on the Richmond Bus Depot.

4. "Pachamama" - Richmond Street Art

This multi-faceted work was done with spray paint and roller brushes…and a lot of skill.

5. Abraham Lincoln

This Andy Warhol-esque pop art style work appeared in Richmond.

6. Avon Street Art, Charlottesville

This may not be a particularly large piece, but the detail is impressive.

7. Art First Mural, Staunton 2011

This work is more likely to be classified as a traditional mural, but like many graffiti pieces, the "canvas" becomes a part of the work itself. Simply beautiful.

8. A Beautiful Tribute: Victory Through Love

This painting, found on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville in 2009, shows how art can be used to honor memories.

9. Tunnel Art in Crystal City

This mural turns an ordinary tunnel into a drive-thru museum.

10. Art on an old bus depot, Richmond 2013

Eyes are the windows to the soul...

11. GRTC Garage Street Art

More from the streets of Richmond….

12. Nina Simone in Richmond

13. IX Art Park in Charlottesville

Getting ready for the grand opening, May 25th, 2014.

14. Out of This World Art in Richmond

15. Impromtu Artwork by the Key Bridge in Arlington

The Francis Scott Key Bridge (commonly known as the "Key Bridge") between Rosslyn, Virginia and Georgetown, Washington, D.C., was completed in 1923 and is the area's oldest surviving bridge across the Potomac River. While the artwork is not the highlight of this photo, I've included it to show how the juxtaposition of graffiti and history makes for a complex modern day scene.

16. Street Art in Alexandria

17. "RIchmond" Graffiti at Alley Katz

18. An Artist at Work

This photo shows work in progress as artist Robert "Tone" Proch works on a mural at 501 E. Grace Street in Richmond. Many thank to photographer Bill Dickinson capturing the moment.

19. Graffiti Collage

Richmond street art by artists Pose and El Kamino.

20. Richmond Street Art Festival 2013

This painted skate park shows that anything can be made more beautiful with a little color.

21. "Into the Wind" - Richmond

Instead of detracting from the image, the people in this photo seem to fit into the work itself.

While most of the work for this particular article appears in Charlottesville and Richmond, that by no means implies that amazing street art doesn't exist in other places around the state! Do you know of any particularly impressive graffiti or street art in your area? Please let us know about it in the comments below...better yet, send a photo!