Graffiti Blog!

Graffiti is everywhere, and I'm not just talking about here in San Cristobal. I mean everywhere, and what gets defined as graffiti is subjective. Here is an example of what I would consider typical graffiti.

Just names in a stylized fashion declaring that someone or some group has been present in the vicinity at some point in time. Yet there is so much more that can be done with this type of "vandalism."

San Cristobal has been described as once being a sleepy Mexican town until the 1994 Zapatista uprising. Now San Cristobal is a beacon for anyone who is interested in opposing oppressors, speaking out, and cultural pride among other things. Now with this frame of mind present here there have been artists who have utilized graffiti as a means to convey messages, have a look.

These are just a few of the images Faith and I see on a daily stroll to the market, shops, or a local taco stand. We actually enjoy them and it makes our walks a lot more interesting than if they weren't there. I guess, what I'm trying to point out is that not all graffiti has to have negative connotations, especially since the concept has been around before we had a written language. Also, where do we draw the line between mural, painting, graffiti and art? It's always been about spreading information.

(picture of 4,000 year old petroglyph at Valley of Fire National Park Nevada)