From artists’ communes where underground creation enters the mainstream, to towering displays of graffiti created by some of the world’s most talented street artists, to meticulously imagined installations that have come to define the cultural landscape, the Atlanta’s collection of public artworks, both formal and informal, are as ever-evolving as the city itself.
Once the bane of urban life, graffiti in Atlanta has evolved into a world-class art form. There is perhaps no collection of public street art in the South that’s more inspiring than the evolving works seen on Edgewood, where international artists have created two-to-three-story masterpieces.
A dilapidated farm within eyeshot of the Midtown skyline, the Goat Farm has been transformed into a place where hundreds of artists live, work, and collaborate on creative endeavors of all stripes. The property itself has become famous, too, for its use in a multitude of (mostly dystopian) TV shows and films.
This tunnel, which extends under the MARTA line, has become an informal venue for self-expression, with a revolving display of murals, tags, and community advertisements populating the photo-worthy walls. On the Cabbagetown side, there’s an impressive display of mural work stretching the length of the trestle.
Conceived and constructed for the 1996 Summer Olympics, this city centerpiece contains a variety of sculpture, fountains, and Game centered accouterment that, in addition to serving as a popular venue for concerts and festivals, serves to tell the story of a pivotal time in Atlanta’s history.
This walking path allows pedestrian and bike traffic access to different parts of the city without ever having to cross a road, but it’s increasingly becoming known for its collection of installation art that adds character to new-urban convenience.