Grafitti and Street Art in Brasil are alive!

Graffiti in Rio de Janiero and Porto Alegre

I have always felt that street art, especially in the urban context represents the artistic expression of youth. It is part of a youth that does not have channels of expression. Adults often misinterpret it as vandalism, but for many it is so much more.

Growing up in New York during Hip-Hop’s golden years I respected the significance of the 4 elements of hip-hop. Dj-ing, Mc-ing, B-boying (dance), and of course Graffiti- these elements were stressed by the founders, movers and shakers of Hip-Hop’s formative era. The 80’s early era, which saw it as a social movement, an urban movement, a black and Latino movement seems so far from the current state of Hip-Hop in the states. In many places in Latin America and Europe, however, it is live and kick’in!

Decades after Hip-Hop’s initial birth as a movement, I recognized strong signs of an intense street art/ graffiti culture. Some is social, some political, and some cultural. Seeing myself as relatively young and in tune with youth movements I couldn’t help be awed by the quality and quantity of street art and graffiti in Brasil. To those that love that art form, you have to see it for yourself!