Visible Voices: Street Art, Youth Identity, and the Aesthetics of Resistance

Abstract

Street art has become a visible and contested practice in many global cities, closely tied to the everyday experiences of young people. Rather than being treated simply as vandalism or decoration, street art functions as a cultural form through which youth negotiate identity, belonging, and resistance. This paper takes the case of graffiti in Manchester as a point of entry, positioning it within broader debates on subcultural expression and public art. The analysis draws on case study materials and theoretical perspectives to explore two central questions: how street art functions as a medium of youth identity and resistance, and whether it can be legitimized within the framework of urban civility. This paper suggests that while street art empowers young people to make their voices visible in the city, it also exposes tensions between grassroots creativity and institutional control. These dynamics offer insights into cultural policy, urban governance, and the role of youth expression in contemporary public life.