Street art is now present in almost every city, town and village in the world, from Aachen to Zwolle. Its true audience is measured in the billions.

And given that the first record of homo sapiens painting on walls is thought to date back around 40,000 years, it’s surprising that street art has taken so long to flourish.

Today, the proliferation of legal walls and organised festivals around the world makes it possible to encounter thought-provoking, transformative art in the most unexpected of places

Here's our visual guide to discover these incredible artworks hidden in plain sight around the world.

Chicago is no stranger to public art – Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture is one of the most photographed aspects of the city.

Artist: 2501. Location: 422 South Wabash Avenue

Artist: Ella & Pitr. Location: Corner of Wells & Congress

LA has a typically laid-back attitude to the crossover between traditional graffiti and street art, with many artists blurring the boundaries.

Artist: D*Face. Location: W 3rd Street & Robertson Boulevard

Artist: Cyrcle. Location: Robert F Kennedy Community Schools, 701 S Catalina Street

Fast-paced, stylish and wealthy, Miami has earned itself a high-profile spot on the international street art scene.

Artist: Jen Stark. Location: Miami Airport North Terminal, between terminals D&E, 3rd floor

Artist: D*Face. Location: Jose De Diego Middle School, 3100 NW 5 Avenue

As the birthplace of modern graffiti, it’s no surprise that New York and its artists played a starring role in the global growth of street art.

Artist: Faile. Location: 321 West 44th Street

Artist: Invader (NYC_176). Location: 322 West 14th Street

Artist: Nick Walker. Location: Parking lot, 6th Avenue & W 17th Street

San Francisco has been a street art launch pad for over 85 years, thanks to one legendary art power couple,
a president, and a motley crew of Mission skate punks.

Artist: Aryz. Location: 691 Eddy Street

Artist: Barry McGee. Location: Moscone Contemporary Art Center & Garage, 255 3rd Street