Paste-Up Art: The Bold, Temporary Takeover Transforming Cityscapes

Street art comes in many forms—murals, graffiti, stickers—but one of the most intriguing and accessible methods is paste-up art. This underdog of the street art world turns blank walls into spontaneous galleries, blending bold imagery with the thrill of impermanence. With its DIY ethos and rapid application, paste-ups have become a favorite among artists looking to make a statement without the long hours or risks of painting directly onto a surface.

What is Paste-Up Art?

Paste-ups (also called wheatpastes) are large, hand-drawn, painted, or printed artworks affixed to walls using a wheat-based adhesive or commercial glue. The technique dates back centuries, but in street art, it gained traction in the late 20th century as a fast, effective way to claim space without permanently altering it.

Unlike murals, which require extensive planning and permission, paste-ups are often installed in a matter of minutes. This ease allows artists to experiment, evolve their style, and engage in rapid visual conversations with the city and other artists.

Why Paste-Ups?

• Fast & Flexible – Artists can work on their designs in the studio, then quickly paste them up in public spaces.

• Low Risk, High Impact – Unlike spray-painted graffiti, paste-ups are technically temporary, often making them a gray area in street art legality.

• Reproducibility – Artists can replicate their work across multiple cities or countries, creating a recognizable presence.

• Collaboration & Layering – Paste-up walls often become ever-changing collages of different artists, resulting in a dynamic, evolving art form.

Paste-Ups in Street Art Culture

From political activists to surrealists, paste-ups have been used to challenge norms, spark conversation, and add unexpected beauty to urban landscapes. Legendary street artists like Shepard Fairey (Obey Giant) and Swoon have employed wheatpaste techniques to spread their messages far and wide. Today, paste-ups remain a go-to for both emerging and established artists looking to leave their mark without a long-term commitment.

Cities around the world are embracing the art form, with spots like Berlin, London, and New York boasting entire districts where paste-ups dominate. In New Jersey, artists are reclaiming public spaces, turning alleyways, abandoned buildings, and construction sites into open-air galleries for bold, unfiltered expression.

How to Get Started with Paste-Ups

If you're inspired to try your hand at paste-up art, here’s what you need:

• Create Your Design – Draw, paint, or digitally design your artwork.

• Print or Hand-Paint Your Paste-Up – Many artists use large-scale prints or hand-painted paper pieces.

• Make Your Paste – Traditional wheatpaste is made from flour and water, but you can also use commercial adhesives.

• Find a Spot – Look for walls, abandoned buildings, or construction barriers (but be mindful of local laws).

• Paste It Up! – Apply paste to the surface, smooth your artwork over it, and brush another layer on top for durability.

The Future of Paste-Up Art

While paste-ups may be temporary, their impact is lasting. They bring life to forgotten spaces, give voices to artists outside the gallery system, and create an ever-changing dialogue between the city and its inhabitants. As public art continues to evolve, paste-ups will remain an essential, rebellious, and captivating part of the urban landscape.

Next time you walk through a city, keep an eye out—you might just find a piece of paste-up magic waiting to be discovered.

Experience Paste-Up Culture at GLUED

JAMM Gallery is bringing the energy of the streets inside with GLUED: A JAMM GALLERY UNDERGROUND PASTE-UP EXHIBITION. Friday March 28th at 6 PM this immersive show kicks off, featuring walls covered in paste ups, transforming the gallery into a raw, layered, and evolving urban space; with walls up to add your mark to. Expect everything from bold political statements to intricate hand-drawn illustrations—each piece a testament to the power of paste-ups in contemporary street art.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of street art or discovering paste-ups for the first time, GLUED offers a chance to experience this underground art movement up close. Join us as we celebrate the ephemeral beauty, rebellious spirit, and cultural impact of paste-up art.

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