15 stunning images of urban art by a York photographer

Steven travels around the world to capture amazing art. Photographs © Steven Parker Photography

These remarkable images from around the world are all the work of one man: Steven Parker.

Based in Dunnington, the 51-year-old photographer travels the world seeking out great examples of urban art.

And although there are few great examples of the artform in York, Steven has plans to introduce the city to this world.

He says: “I’d love to marry together York’s love of festivals with it staging an urban art event.”

All these photographs are by Steven Parker Photography

You can order prints sized 16″x12″ on archival matt or gloss paper for £35

To order, or find out more, visit Steven’s website here

Steven’s work has been shown at Open Studios, York Theatre Royal, Brew & Brownie, York Hospital and most recently the Fossgate Social. He told us more in our Q&A.

‘Making pictures is precious and magical’

Tell me a bit about your background.

I’m originally from the home counties and have moved about a fair bit including living in Swansea, London, Manchester and now settled in York. I studied photography and have worked in the industry for 30 years.

How and when did the photography bug bite?

I was allowed to take some holiday snaps with the family Olympus Trip camera when I was about 10 and thought the whole process of making pictures was somehow precious and magical.

What brought you to York?

My wife grew in York and we moved up here from London when our daughter was one. It’s a beautiful city and a great place to bring up kids in.

What started you on the urban art project?

Myself and some fellow photographers were exploring some abandoned industrial buildings in Sheffield a few years back and stumbled upon work by local artists on the peeling walls, hidden from sight. I was so impressed with the styles and ephemeral nature of the medium that I began to seek it out.

An artwork by Sheffield-based artist Phlegm. Photographs © Steven Parker Photography

A Guido Van Helten mural in Reykjavik. Photographs © Steven Parker Photography

A close up of the Guido Van Helten mural. Photographs © Steven Parker Photography

Do you have favourite examples of wall art?

One of Sheffield’s most prominent street artists, Phlegm is a favourite and now has work on a giant scale all over the world. Seeing Guido Van Helten’s large murals in Reykjavik was a highlight though.

How far do you travel for work?

I love to get away as much as I can, and if work is connected so much the better – but most of my photography is based here in Yorkshire.

Are there any good examples of wall/urban art in York?

Most examples of wall art tend to be in the industrial parts (or more commonly post-industrial) of big cities so York doesn’t quite fit the bill really but it was interesting and encouraging to see the wall on Back Swinegate to accompany the opening of the Art Of Protest gallery.

What next for you and your business?

Street art festivals are becoming more and more popular and I’d love to marry together York’s love of festivals with it staging an urban art event. It would be wonderful to capture work from concept to finished pieces around our beautiful city.