From Subversion to Art: Bogotá’s Graffiti Evolution
In New York City, the groundwork for the global graffiti movement was laid in the 1980s. Many urban metropolises, including Bogotá, drew inspiration from this. In the 1990s, the drug cartels led by Pablo Escobar and the ongoing civil war in the country inadvertently provided fertile ground for the birth of a vibrant graffiti movement.
In its nascent stages, it was primarily “tags” or “throw-ups” that were hastily applied to walls at night by youths, gangs, or football hooligans. It was illegal and classified as a crime.
Over the years, the landscape began to transform. The graffiti and murals became more artistic and gained public acceptance. The tragic death of a 16-year-old, who was shot by police while spraying on a wall, led to massive public demonstrations. In 2011, the city decided to legalize street art and integrate it into its cultural agenda. What once happened under the cover of night now unfolded in broad daylight, giving the graffiti scene a tremendous boost. Many facade areas were designated by the city for artistic expression, and numerous districts, especially in socially disadvantaged areas, were adorned with vibrant murals.
Birth of Distrito Graffiti: A Global Showcase
In 2016, thanks to the initiative of Vértigo Graffiti, the Distrito Graffiti was brought to life. In Puente Aranda, an industrial area of Bogotá, over 6,000 square meters of facade walls across two city blocks were made available. With the support of the Ministry of Culture, nationally and internationally renowned street artists were invited to bring their artworks to these walls. The official opening took place in 2019.
Since then, this dynamic energy has spread throughout the entire city. The entire urban landscape is now characterized by murals from street artists like Toxicómano, DJLU, ERRE, Jotados, Stinkfish, Mr. Garek, Vértigo Graffiti, and countless others. These murals and graffiti send a clear message. They engage with the social, political, and cultural realities in Bogotá and Colombia. They are atmospheric and inject a tremendous amount of color into the entire cityscape. Bogotá has transformed into a “Distrito Graffiti.” It stands as a unique hallmark of the world’s most friendly graffiti city!
What remains from the past is the continuous emergence of something new each night – be it a “tag,” a “throw-up,” or a mural – even in forbidden places.
You can reach Distrito Graffiti very quickly from the city center via the TransMilenio. There’s even a dedicated stop. Just walk two blocks, and let the murals truly impress you.
