I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Chile has THE BEST street art I have ever had the pleasure to lay my eyes upon. In fact, there are 2 things that are better in Chile than anywhere else I’ve been to: graffiti AND street dogs.
The street art in Chile doesn’t only stand out from an aesthetic point of view. It is always supercharged with messages, political and social.
This is a mural that decorates the entrance of the Bellas Artes metro stop in Santiago. It represents a typical lady from the Andes, with the attire and other things that make her so traditional – notice the chili peppers, cereals (like the very Andean purple corn) and the utensils to work the land with. But she is also presented with the contrast of “old vs new”: education, technology, vices and even a little skull on her clothes, which I believe represents death. Not necessarily her death, but the death of tradition, of a certain way of living. Yet the most “in your face” element of this mural is the Chilean flag which seems to be suffocating the colorful Andean lady.
This is another mural decorating the wall right next to the one pictured as today’s photo:
Chile is a country where capitalism thrives. Where minorities and indigenous people’s rights are often left aside (google “Mapuche struggle” if you’re interested in reading more about this). I think this is what these murals are trying to tell us: to stop and think that, those who may live a little different than us, have the right to do so. Independently of who may stop profiting because of that in the process. And to, independently of where we’re heading, never forget where we have come from. You can think about this in Chile, or anywhere else in the world.
Great art, and great message too. We all need to take some time out of our lives sometimes to appreciate the things which matter. Can’t wait to go to Chile (next year hopefully!!)
Have you guys been in Bogota? So far is the place i have been with the most stunning street art. They also have drum and bass parties, pretty amazi g for south america…
Yes, we’ve been to Bogota and the street art there is pretty incredible. However, Chile is still the winner in our books :)
Such beautiful art and it’s great to see so many people spreading a message through their work.
Indeed! Street art can be very powerful in that sense… and, being free, it’s accessible to everyone!
Absolutely LOVE Chile and especially Santiago. I actually lived in the building in the mural pictures while I was there a few years ago. Bellas Artes is one of my favorite neighborhoods I’ve ever lived in!
I’m in Chile now, and unfortunately a lot of the street art has been vandalized. The first piece that you posted on this page was shot with paint balls. It’s infuriating… Here is a link of a photo of the art I posted on Facebook. I’m not sure if you can see it though. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100175424864739&set=a.647647432969.2071932.77803556&type=3&theater¬if_t=like¬if_id=1466017376475650
Hi Adam,
I can’t see your like (it’s probably a personal FB post?!). But it sure sucks that they have vandalized this mural by INTI. We have seen INTI’s work in many places around the world… he is AMAZING! The latest one we’ve come across was this piece in Montreal, Canada.