Love: Graffiti in South America- Vandalism or Art?

O graffiti

ɡrəˈfiːti/

noun

1. 1. 

   writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.

   "the station was covered in graffiti"

   
   

   South America redefines this dictionary definition of graffiti in its own way as a public expression of Art and culture.

   
   

   As an incredibly colourful and vibrant continent, South America expresses its unique cultures through intricate public murals and what others may consider vandalism. Graffiti here is an important art form, it gives citizens the freedom to show artistic talent and profundity in any public place. Here are some examples...

   
   

   

   
   

   This beautiful mural in Puerto Natales, far Southern Chile shows the lives of the native indigenous peoples in history, emphasising the importance of Chile's rich cultural heritage in today's society.

   
   

   

   
   

   This, would you believe it, is the front of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which proves graffiti to be an refreshing art form that injects colour into the dull greyness of city life in order to draw attention and guests. 

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

   And again, we return to the visionary Valparaiso, arguably the most imaginative city in Chile. For many years, the people of the city couldn't afford to full pots of paint to make their houses all one colour. So that's why there are rainbow coloured house (like the one in the picture).

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

   "When the tyranny is law, the revolution is order" can be found on the pavement in a public park in Buenos Aires , Argentina, making a powerful political historical statement about Argentina's past dictatorship- A significant reflection of Argentinian memory in the city. 

   
   

   
   

   And here's some more...

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

   Mural in La Paz, Bolivia that shows the mix of traditional and contemporary Bolivian fashion culture.

   
   

   
   

   

   
   
   

   Rio de Janeiro, Brasil declaring its undying love and talent (shown by the hand of God) for football and its skill for impressing women.

   
   

   
   

   

   
   
   

   A simplistic way to question the real motivations of Cusco, Peru that lie within a capitalist society driven by tourism.

   
   

   
   

   Whilst some may consider it vandalism, I see it as  a powerful tool in making essential cultural statements. And the graffiti is just one of the millions of reasons why South America such an exciting continent to visit!