Street art is ephemeral, but the Internet is forever. So in their unofficial position as masters of the World Wide Web, Google has announced a new project today dedicated to documenting transient art and making it accessible for everyone with Internet, everywhere, all the time.
New Yorkers in particular might appreciate the beauty of the Street Art Project. When the five borough’s famed graffiti mecca 5 Pointz was erased overnight last November, many residents still hadn’t had the chance to experience that unique facet of the city’s culture. Thankfully, the Project has captured the “institute of higher burning” in all its temporary glory, and gives users an unprecedentedly thorough look at exhibits from past years. Ttake that, Bloomberg! Or, you know, the man.
Including 5 Pointz, the Project already boasts over 5,000 images and 100 locations culled from around the world. Laughing Squid points out that some of the attractions, like the Tour Paris 13 building, are also viewable using street view. Here’s a video Google made to help first-time users navigate the Cultural Institute that houses the new Project:
Without the database, many enthusiasts would likely not see these pieces before they are taken down. By sharing the images through a free medium, Google is ensuring that people around the world can experience the creativity sometimes found in everyday life.
In addition to the pieces themselves, the Project also detailed information on the image’s history and relevance. Take a gander. It’s the most modern gallery in the world, and it’s free!
(via Laughing Squid, images via Official Google Blog)
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