Graffiti in Buenos Aires

Street art in Buenos Aires largely came about as a response by the young to the 2001 economic crash, where they took out their anger on public spaces, and created a new wave of graffiti art – known as “muñequismo”, which uses cartoon characters with their aim being to bring back colour, life, and vivacity to the city which had once been in a state of depression.

Turbo is a local gallery which is dedicated to exposing street art and showcasing their work, and is well worth a visit. In April 2010, ‘Centro Cultural de España en Buenos Aires’ invited 30 street artists to paint inside a dilapidated orphanage, and has now been turned into a remarkably beautiful building in the barrio of Retiro.

The artists in Buenos Aires have a sort of freedom which changes the type of art they make. All over the world, the clandestine nature of street art causes the art to demonstrate their urgency, but in Buenos Aires, the artists have the liberty to take their time and care with the art. Nearly every street corner has some sort of artwork, so when you are walking to or from your apartment rental in Buenos Aires, wherever it is located, be sure to keep a look out, as it has a near magical ability to transform forgotten broken spaces into public works of art.

You can also take an organised tour that highlights the best graffiti the city has to offer. For more info, check out: www.graffitimundo.com.