Meet 20 of the most creative, original street artists from around the world — including Banksy.

Art has moved from the museum into the streets, with visionary artists using their creativity to convert the spaces of everyday life and, often, to address social and political issues. Journalist Alessandra Mattanza interviews 20 of the most renowned figures in the street-art scene, from painters to sculptors to stencilists, who reveal their stories and their inspiration.

The international roster includes: Italian graffiti artist Blue; Brazilian muralists Os Gemeos (The Twins); Shepard Fairey, renowned for his poster of President Obama; Aakash Nihalani, who creates geometric figures out of tape; Fauxreel, whose photography-based work explores themes of homelessness; French artist JR, who has partnered with New York City Ballet; and Swoon, who combines art with social action through her nonprofit.

Alessandra Mattanza, author, screenwriter, and fine-art photographer, was born in Italy but has lived abroad for more than 20 years. She worked as an editor for the publisher Handelsblatt in Munich. Her great passion for cinema has led her to specialize in interviews with actors and directors, as well as in traveling and fiction. She currently works as a foreign correspondent, contributor, and editor for several publishers in Italy and Germany.