Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing very well.
I am wondering …. do you like graffiti or mural paintings? My appreciation for street art—particularly these two forms—has undergone a metamorphosis over the years.
Caption: Wall painting of famous peruvian singer, Chabuca Granda
Initially, I didn’t like them very much, especially if the work didn’t look good. Sometimes, paint is used simply to damage private property or public spaces; I’ve seen this happen often in my home city, Lima, Peru . However, I’ve also observed that over time, there has been a shift toward creating dedicated public spaces for decorative murals . These can be stylised graffiti or something that goes much further—a creative design that is profoundly artistic.
I think that’s where the key distinction lies: graffiti is often associated with something unsanctioned, while mural painting is typically planned and approved. However, the line separating these two concepts is often very thin.
In Lima, there is a very famous district called Barranco that still preserves its beautiful colonial architecture . Tourists love to visit this district to walk through its bohemian streets. I always enjoy going to Barranco to have a coffee at Plazuela Chabuca Granda and visit its emblematic sites; I try to go whenever I travel back to Peru . One of its most beautiful features is the blend of mural paintings and graffiti found there. If you ever have the chance to go to Barranco do not forget to pay a visit to Bridge of Sighs - Puente de los Suspiros, one of the most romantic places in the entire city. In fact, many people have their wedding photos taken on this bridge, other couples pledge eternal love there, and lonely hearts make their wishes.
Yes… I have seen many… but very popular…
Of course, now a days, graffiti is becoming more popular…
Nice post and impressive photos…
Thanks for sharing, dear friend @marcorp
@mahatokoushik623 I agree with you; if there is planning with the municipalities and the street art is in harmony with what the place wants to convey, then that’s great!
@TravellerG hi there! It is always nice to hear from you! There are areas with spectacular graffiti relatively close to where I live; I’ll try to visit them soon to take pictures and share them on Connect.
So funny, I was just thinking about writing a street art post.
I’ve been into street art and murals since around 2009. To me, they are such a powerful cultural and creative expression and often give real insight into a local community. They also give artists, especially emerging artists, space to cultivate their craft, experiment, and be seen.
Over the years, I’ve taken thousands of photos of murals in cities across the U.S. and even in other countries. Everywhere I go, I find myself drawn to the walls.
In the U.S., street art has really evolved and is now embraced by many cities through mural festivals, walking tours, and commissioned public art that adds a colorful and unique lens to neighborhoods.
One local hidden gem I love is Graffiti Alley located in Baltimore, MD. It is a very popular spot for street artists, creatives, photographers, and models. Artists are free to paint there, and the walls are constantly changing, which makes every visit feel different.
Sharing a few of my recent photos from Graffiti Alley here. I’d love to see murals or street art from other cities around the world that Local Guides think are especially cool.
@Itswendym loved it, thank you for your reply! The graffiti alley looks spectacular and creative. I’ll try to visit this place; in fact, a few months ago I was in Hunt Valley, Maryland, but only for a couple of days.
Graffiti Alley is really cool to see, especially since it’s always changing. The next time you’re in the area, if you have time to also venture to DC, there are lots of murals throughout the city & two really great mural tours of different neighborhoods including Union Market/NoMa & Adams Morgan.
Would be great to see more of your favorite street art photos.
Interesting post @marcorp. Over the last few years here on Connect, it has often amazed me to discover different concepts and cultural practices in different parts of the world.
I don’t think Street Art is a concept we talk about in my country. Furthermore, graffiti is a word with a negative connotation here. It would be something lawless and illegal. Murals on the other hand, are an artistic expression usually executed under permission by the regulatory authorities. In some instances they’re located in public places away from the street. We have very few, but they’re all well done and kept tidy.
@tony_b hello my friend!!! Yes, in my country, Peru , it’s also a bit like that; graffiti is more informal and murals are more planned. However, in some tourist districts, like Barranco and Miraflores, that rule is slowly changing, and you can now see more streets with well-executed graffiti.
I hope that means well-executed murals. The dictionary definition of “graffiti” is in line with what I said earlier - “writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place”.
@tony_b The dictionary definition is a perfectly valid point of reference, and I completely agree. However, the only constant in life is change, and some communities have shifted their stance regarding what graffiti means in cultural terms (provided the graffiti is done in a planned way with the municipalities and has a symbolic connection to the city, its folklore, etc.). This type of graffiti art can then be given many different names, such as murals, for example.
I would even say, there is a big gray zone between graffiti and murals. But poor graffiti can also destroy planned murals as this example shows: Google Maps
In my home town, Mönchengladbach, Germany you can apply for painting well defined walls. One example: Google Maps.
An example for planned, artistic murals is Mugnano, a small fraction of Perugia, Italy: Google Maps
@WilfriedB I loved your insights on the subject . It’s a broad, super interesting, and debatable topic, and I agree with you that there’s a gray area between these multiple artistic modalities I will read @TerryPG series right away!
@marcorp. Loved your pics. My take is: who defines an art? Art for one could be eyesore for another. Lodhi art district in Delhi is great place for street art with more than 40 painted walls. My personal fabourite had been comic strip trail in Brussels
@curatorofmemory That’s a profound question. Personally, I believe that art revolves around how one feels and what that mural, graffiti, painting, etc., conveys to them.
. However, I’ve also observed that over time, there has been a shift toward creating dedicated public spaces for decorative murals 
. These can be stylised graffiti or something that goes much further—a creative design that is profoundly artistic. 
. Tourists love to visit this district to walk through its bohemian streets. I always enjoy going to Barranco to have a coffee at Plazuela Chabuca Granda 
and visit its emblematic sites; I try to go whenever I travel back to Peru 
If you ever have the chance to go to Barranco do not forget to pay a visit to Bridge of Sighs - Puente de los Suspiros, one of the most romantic places in the entire city. In fact, many people have their wedding photos taken on this bridge, other couples pledge eternal love there, and lonely hearts make their wishes. 
. It’s a broad, super interesting, and debatable topic, and I agree with you that there’s a gray area between these multiple artistic modalities 
