Between Aesthetics and Ideology: The Image as a Vector of Political Influence

Often perceived as an act of vandalism, street art has come to stand out today as a unique form of artistic and political expression, born in marginality and driven by a desire for rupture. This study examines the role of urban imagery, at the intersection of aesthetics and ideology, as a vector of political influence in public space. It explores how these engaged visual forms, rich in meaning and rooted in contexts of protest, contribute to raising awareness, stimulating civic mobilization, and challenging existing power structures. The specific issue addressed is the ability of imagery—particularly that emerging from street art—to function as a political counter-discourse, one that is both accessible and emotionally compelling. To address this question, the study adopts a qualitative approach, based on the analysis of emblematic works by artists such as Sirante, Blek le Rat, and eL Seed, combined with a study of the social and ideological contexts in which these images are embedded. The study shows that street art, far from being a mere visual ornament or gratuitous provocation, becomes a tool of social critique and political resistance. It transforms urban space into a symbolic arena where dominant representations and dissenting voices clash. The findings of this analysis highlight the strategic potential of imagery within the public sphere. This research thus deepens our understanding of the relationships between art, power, and citizenship, and underscores the growing importance of aesthetics as a language of struggle in contemporary societies.