History and Evolution of Graffiti in Lisbon: A Muse

Graffiti in Lisbon, as an art form, began to take shape during the 1970s. This period was marked by political upheaval, particularly the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which overthrew the dictatorial regime in Portugal.

(A muse is a source of inspiration, especially for artists, writers, and other creative individuals. The term has its roots in Greek mythology, where the Muses were nine goddesses who presided over the arts and sciences, each inspiring individuals in specific domains such as epic poetry, history, music, and dance.)

 

 The revolutionary spirit of the time inspired many local artists to express their thoughts and emotions on public walls. Influences came from various sources, including the revolutionary art of Maoist China and Castro’s Cuba.

 

Development Over Decades

 

-1970s-1980s: First expressions were often politically charged and similar in spirit to revolutionary murals found in other parts of the world.

 

- 1990s-Onwards: The import of graffiti styles from places like Brazil and Western Europe began to diversify the street art in Lisbon. This period also saw a rise in more elaborate and large-scale works.

 

- 2008: Momentous change was marked by the intervention of the City Council of Lisbon. The establishment of the Galeria de Arte Urbana (GAU) laid down a framework to support and regulate street art, making Lisbon a welcoming canvas for local and international artists.

 

Three Famous Graffiti Artists with Street Displays in Lisbon

1.      Vhils (Alexandre Farto): Known for his unique technique of carving faces into walls. He was born in Portugal in 1987 and studied at the Byam Shaw School of Art in London. Vhils lives and works in London and Lisbon. He gained prominence when his work of a face carved into a wall appeared alongside a picture by street artist Banksy at the Cans Festival in London in 2008.[2] A photograph of him creating the work appeared on the front page of The Times.

 

2.      Bordalo II: Recognized for his "Big Trash Animals" series, which uses waste materials to highlight environmental issues.

Artur Bordalo (Lisboa, 1987) is today known as BORDALO II, the artistic name he chose as a tribute to his grandfather, promoting a continuity and reinvention of his artistic legacy. His youth was spent in the company of his grandfather, the painter Real Bordalo and his incessant passion for watercolors, and his adventures around illegal graffiti in Lisbon’s underworld.

 

3.      Akacorleone: Celebrated for his vibrant colors and imaginative, often humorous works.

Living with artistic creation from an early age, AKACORLEONE started with graffiti in the early 2000s, a base that would flow into other currents later on. In 2008 he takes his first steps in illustration and muralism and, in 2010, he presents his first gallery works defining, from the outset, a metamorphic aesthetic that more than a decade later remains characteristic of the projects he signs. Painting, installation and sculpture are currents that he has been absorbing in recent years .

 

 Four of the Best Streets to See Graffiti in Lisbon

 

1.      Calçada da Glória: Home to the open-air gallery maintained by GAU. The GAU (Galeria de Arte Urbana), also known as the Urban Art Gallery, is an initiative by the Lisbon City Council aimed at supporting, regulating, and promoting street art in Lisbon. The GAU was established in 2008 following the failure of traditional building cleanup campaigns, particularly in historic neighborhoods like Bairro Alto.

 

2.      Bairro Alto: One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, filled with a mix of tags and expressive works.

 

3.      LX Factory: Once an industrial complex, now a hub for creativity and street art.

 

4.      Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo: Known for large murals and vibrant art displays.

 

 Three Reasons Why Graffiti Developed in the First Place

 

1.      Political Expression: Initially, graffiti was an outlet for political expression and dissent.

 

2.      Cultural Integration: Graffiti adapted influences from various cultures Portugal interacted with, particularly through its colonial history.

 

3.      Urban Beautification: Modern graffiti in Lisbon also serves as a means of urban beautification, reclaiming and revitalizing disrepair areas.

 

Graffiti in Lisbon has evolved from a symbol of political resistance to an integral part of the city's cultural identity, now celebrated and fostered by local authorities to enhance urban life and attract tourism.

 

Graffiti in Lisbon, or anywhere for that matter, is a must see, intriguing, symbolic, and wonderful muse for writers.

A muse is where you find it.

What serves as your muse?