Grafitti

Sao Miquel, Azores, Portugal

Before I move on to Scotland and London, I wanted to share some images of some great grafitti.  I found as we walked around various towns in different countries that I was drawn to the grafitti.  So... I told Michael that I thought I would do a post with nothing but European grafitti.  Here it is...

Sao Miquel

 I love this image because the ocean looks like the living thing that it is.  You can see all sorts of fish within the waves (and even a frog), as well as boats.  The longer you look - the more you see.  

Cartagena, Spain (my favorite image!)

As we were walking around Cartagena I looked up and saw what looked like some nice grafitti on the sides of buildings.  So we went on a mission to find the grafitti.  We discovered a visual feast! This is no ordinary grafitti mind you - these were signed works by local artists.  It was some sort of project to promote art.  

Cartagena, Spain

Spaniards are serious about art - while we were there the Prada Museum in Madrid had loaned prints to Cartagena that were on display (outside) for visitors to see.  Proudly displayed near the start of Calle Major (major pedestrian walkway) it made for an inspiring walk into town.  

Cartagena, Spain

You can see that there is a fence protecting the art pieces - so shooting photos through the fence was the best I could do. 

Cartagena, Spain

There were also great pieces of grafitti on store fronts in Cartagena.  We found one street with quite alot of grafitti as we were searching for a pastelleria.  Found the pastelleria and fortunately they were closed - saved me from eating all that yummy Spanish pastry!

London, England

While in London we went on a quest looking for Banksy grafitti.  We found this tunnel where there is alot of grafitti - but no Banksy grafitti.

London, England

The London tunnel was more in line with common perceptions of grafitti - always being painted over by the next grafitti "artist".  Nothing is sacred or protected.

London, England

A few people milling around in the tunnel.  Safe in the daytime - not in the night.

London, England

Folks clearly trying to express their views.  Trying to get their message out or maybe just vent.

London, England

And... apparently there are some of the better artists that are always trying to "one up" each other.  They paint over each others work routinely.

London, England

Looks like the little girl is the only one taking time to smell the roses - everyone else is consumed with their electronics.

London, England

And I will end the show with a traditional work of grafitti - painted and then painted over once and then again and again until its an amalgamation.  Next trip to London I am going to work harder at finding Banksy grafitti.  With fame his/her art became elusive.  Sometimes its up and gone in a day.  With luck we will find some!