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A Whirlwind tour of the Bogota Graffiti Scene
The affable Aussie, Christian, offers up his skills and knowledge 3 times a week for an unique way of exploring Bogota.
Graffiti is a part of culture that is neglected by the majority of guidebooks, despite it being near impossible to miss the multitude of artwork that adorns the walls of the capital, but with the tenacious efforts of graffiti artists and Christian all that can change.
What i learned
Taggers vs. 'Artists'
Although, an atmosphere of respect prevails over the Bogota graffiti scene a stylistic war between writers, those who tag their names over buildings and those who use the walls to create images, is evident. Although, both sides have their virtuosos, the writers are often stigmatised as vandals leading many businesses and homeowners to take preemptive measures by asking graffiti artists to paint their walls to deter taggers.
However, in the taggers defence, they believe that the 'pretty walls' are detracting from the real essence of graffiti - to do something because you want to tell society that you exist and matter - the message being that graffiti artists are independent and not a form of fashionable decorators.
Graffiti Artists vs. the Government
However, not all 'pretty walls' are there to beautify the surrounding neighbourhood, but to proclaim to the public, and through the magic of the Internet the world at large the artists dissatisfaction with the government and society in general. The reoccurring themes are the consequences of the war on drugs and drugs taking, domestic violence, poverty and the importance of respecting nature. These graffiti pieces can be seen in the poorest to the most affluent neighbourhoods in the city as the artists strive to reclaim the city for the people at large.
The battle to reclaim the streets has recently became tragically highlighted, when a 17 year old boy was killed by a policeman as he graffited a wall in the north of the city. However, instead of violence and recrimination the family of the boy and the community at large now organise community events around graffiti encouraging young people to be creative in a secure and friendly environment. In this way Bogota is emerging from a dark and dangerous past, but through initiatives such as graffiti the artists are adding give the world and the inhabitants of Bogota positive, street created landmarks that can be enjoyed by everybody.
Therefore, to get an alternative and interesting outlook on this amaing city the graffiti tour is definitely worth a whirl. In the three hours Christian leads you skillfully and passionately through the streets of Bogota from the historic winding streets of Candelaria to the open suburban streets of the neighbourhoods around Escuela Militar. Although, it is impossible to see all the impressive piece that the city has to offer the tour is Bogota graffiti in a nutshell.
For more information: http://bogotagraffiti.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bogotagraffiti
Lauren x
- comments
Tina Am on that tour, as soon as i come through Bogota