The history of street art in New York City is a rich and vibrant one, with the city serving as a hub for some of the most influential and iconic street artists of all time. From the graffiti boom of the 1970s to the emergence of new forms of street art in the 21st century, the city has always been at the forefront of this dynamic and constantly-evolving art form.

The origins of street art in NYC can be traced back to the 1970s, when the city was in the midst of a financial crisis and experiencing high levels of crime and social unrest. At this time, graffiti began to appear on the walls of buildings, subways, and other public spaces throughout the city. This graffiti was often political in nature, with artists using their work to express frustration with the government and society at large.

One of the most iconic street artists to emerge from this period was Jean-Michel Basquiat, who rose to fame in the 1980s for his distinctive style and provocative subject matter. Basquiat's work often addressed social and political issues, and he became one of the first street artists to be embraced by the mainstream art world.

In the 1990s, street art in NYC began to evolve, with artists such as Keith Haring and Shepard Fairey gaining recognition for their work. Haring was known for his bold, graphic style and his use of public spaces to promote social messages, while Fairey became famous for his "Obey Giant" campaign, which featured images of the wrestler Andre the Giant that were meant to challenge the viewer's perceptions of authority and power.

In the 21st century, street art in NYC has continued to evolve, with new forms such as yarn bombing (the act of covering objects in public spaces with knitting or crochet) and sticker art gaining popularity. The city has also seen the emergence of street art festivals, such as the annual Bushwick Collective Block Party, which brings together street artists from around the world to display their work.

One of the most iconic street art projects in recent years in NYC has been the "5 Pointz" mural complex in Long Island City, which was a haven for street artists and graffiti writers for more than 20 years. The complex, which was eventually demolished to make way for luxury apartments, featured a constantly-changing array of murals and graffiti, and became a popular tourist destination.

Today, street art continues to thrive in NYC, with new artists and styles constantly emerging. While it may not always be welcomed by city officials, the energy and creativity of the city's street art scene is undeniable, and it continues to inspire and captivate people around the world.