All posts tagged: PHAT

Chihuahua Dispatch 2: A Thriving Graffiti and Street Art Scene

Chihuahua Dispatch 2: A Thriving Graffiti and Street Art Scene

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico has what may be called a thriving graffiti and street art scene – growing significantly over the past decade. Many local and international artists have gained recognition and support from local authorities, who have sponsored large-scale murals and other public art projects throughout the city.

Mode-AWC and Erik Barraza pay tribute to the Mexican boxing world champ Yair “El Pantera” Rodriguez. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

With a growing middle-class thanks to the large number of international maquiladoras that have taken root, you even can see skateparks and bike parks where none existed previously. On a typical sunny weekday, you will see kids wearing helmets getting out of family SUVs to hang with friends and try new tricks – in an environment that is wholly smashed with graffiti burners and pieces. And the quality of the artwork is impressive.

SAME. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

The growth of the graffiti and street art scene in Chihuahua can also be attributed to the city’s strong cultural identity and history and the rich tradition of muralism and public art in Mexico dating back to the early 20th century when artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros were creating large-scale murals across the country. In recent years, the city has seen a new wave of street artists and graffiti writers emerge, inspired by the legacy of these earlier artists and by global trends in urban art.

KOSMO. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
TCK !! IKES. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
CRER. ATEC. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist painted a mural containing symbolism and costumes that make reference to native peoples and the agrarian way of life. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
MERCK. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
MERCK. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
CASA GRAFF. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
CASA GRAFF. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artists. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
YKES. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
PHAT. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
ERA. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
ERA. Chihuahua, Chih. Mexico. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
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