Graffiti, in Rio, are ubiquitous. Sometimes they are nothing more than annoying clutter on our cities’ walls, petty vandalism and damages to other people’s property, but sometimes they have a purpose, a function. In Beyoglu, at the core of Istanbul’s disobedience, graffiti are an elegant, elaborate and bitter way of expressing dissent at an increasingly authoritarian regime.
Rio, instead, it’s different. Here the social function of the graffiti is still very much present – and what else would you expect, honestly – but the verve it’s different. Less angry, less bitter and more influenced by the sun, the colours and by a language that, however stereotypical it might sound, is nonetheless relaxed and inherently happy.
Here’s some. Click on any photo to start the slideshow.
Overlooking Flamingo.
There is indeed a softness and humor to these works of art. It is interesting how graffiti reflects each cities’ personality. I’ve also noticed this over in Europe. The street art of Berlin is cold and distant, while that of Bratislava is whimsical.
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That’s an interesting idea! In facts I seem to remember the Paris ones I saw – in Marais, so hardly representative of the whole city – as being particularly quirky.
By the way, what do you make of these guys’ ones and, by applying this reasoning, of the city they’ve made them in? https://www.facebook.com/monkeys.evolution/photos_stream?tab=photos_albums
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Seems like a real mix there – classic (though aesthetically pleasing) tags, childlike cartoons, and a bit of feminine beauty thrown in.
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A very interesting collection. Thank you for sharing them. Unfortunately the graffiti I see in my area is not as artistic or reflecting a particular cause. It’s mainly obscenities. These shots, however, are very different! 🙂
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Thanks Jane! I have a pet theory, according to which graffiti grow in beauty and meaning where there are important topics to be discussed, or strong opinions to be shared – think Istanbul, or Rio in this case. Where there isn’t such a need they become petty vandalism, as it happens – unfortunately – in many places of my native Italy.
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