In Lima of Peru and Santiago of Chile, we saw scores of protest graffiti on building walls and fences. In Lima, we were first prevented by law enforcement personnel from entering the Plaza de Armas (Mayor Plaza) until they were convinced that we were tourists and not local residents. This lockdown was a preemptive measure taken by the local authority to prevent local residents from staging protest or demonstration at the plaza. Many South American cities are still reeling from the effect of mass protests and demonstrations. The widespread protests were likened to another Latin Spring similar to the Arab Spring!
Even in a quiet place like Punta Arenas in Chile, the statue of the revered Ferdinard Magellen too could not be spared from protest graffiti!
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South Americans seem to have a penchant to draw on walls and fences. Whether it evolves from protests or a lack of art museums to showcase their artistic talents, street art is a phenomenon that is now entrenched and is here to stay. In Valparaiso, Chile, artists are welcomed to draw murals and graffiti on walls and fences provided permission has been obtained from the owners (Read here).
In a neighborhood in Sao Paulo, Brazil, a street is dedicated to street art - the Batman Alley. It is certain that first time visitors would be brought there for a stroll along this cobble stone-lined alleyway.
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