Street art - once considered to be graffiti only carried out in secret by social misfits - has gained much popularity and respect over the last decade.

Artists like Shepard Fairey, JR and Banksy have made names for themselves and garnered acclaim from the general public and art world alike.

The works collected here are all testaments to the profound power of creativity, whether the piece carries a political message, or is simply aimed at causing the onlooker to gasp in amazement.