The creativity of Colombia’s graffiti artists explodes in colours of the walls in capital Bogotá. Not just the public thinks so, even the government seems to agree. Since 2011, the municipality of Bogotá adopted laws in order to separate street art from crime. That means, although graffiti might still be forbidden, those who get caught will only receive a fine, instead of imprisonment or a criminal record. In addition to that, it’s nowadays even legally approved to tag or paint walls, if you have permission of the owner. And that results in an expansion in creativity.
Over 800 artists have been working in the capital, so I’ve been told. Some pieces entail several walls or even create depth because of the involvement of several other street items. Sounds difficult? Check out the header of this article. Did you notice that the right eye of the cat is painted on a lamppost, and the street sign? Wicked right?! (Continued below)
These photos are all taken just downtown. If you’re a big fan of street art it might be worth it to ask a taxi driver if he can bring you to some pieces a bit outside of town. Also while taking the metro towards station Portal del Norte, I saw a lot of beautiful paintings on the walls. Just saying.
Another option, if you’re extra interested in the story behind the pieces, is to opt the graffiti tour. This link refers to the most famous of them all, but there are other hostels too that provide such tours. Enjoy the walk! And for the grafiteros in Bogotá: Tag that wall! Paint that spot! Sticker that lamppost! And don’t get caught!
