Street Art Santiago is an in-depth and attractive look at the current dyanamic graffiti and street art scene in this Chilean city, minus the hype.

Street Art Santiago by Lord K2. Schiffer Publishing. Atglen, PA. 2015 (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Using his own sense of discovery and a reporters’ tenacity for uncovering the story, Lord K2 (David Sharabani) scopes the walls for riveting images and first person accounts, digging below the obvious to present economic and social data along with a historical context of murals and their role in political life up to today.

Street Art Santiago adeptly draws connections between the quality of life, a lack of social mobility, and the soulful persistence of artists on the street who interpret the Santiago scene as one with its own distinct voice.

“The graffiti in Chile is mutating. We don’t want to paint graffiti from the Bronx anymore. We want to paint what reflects our Latin roots,” says Wend.

Street Art Santiago by Lord K2. Schiffer Publishing. Atglen, PA. 2015 (photo © Jaime Rojo)

With many accessible interviews and photographs of the artists you can understand a communal connection despite natural competition; a mutual respect for other artists and of the graffiti tradition that now evolves into what is called Street Art. There also is a belief that this means of expression makes an impact that is potent and meaningful to a city.

“Persevere in you technique and style, apply color, strength, and identity to your work,” says an artist named Vision.” Deliver messages. Put up on a wall the things that you have seen and liked. Make the world vibrate.”

Street Art Santiago by Lord K2. Schiffer Publishing. Atglen, PA. 2015 (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Street Art Santiago by Lord K2. Schiffer Publishing. Atglen, PA. 2015 (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Street Art Santiago by Lord K2. Schiffer Publishing. Atglen, PA. 2015 (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Street Art Santiago by Lord K2. Schiffer Publishing. Atglen, PA. 2015 (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Street Art Santiago by Lord K2. Schiffer Publishing. Atglen, PA. 2015