Images of the Street: Analysis of Cultural Expression through Graffiti

Abstract

This study has as its purpose to perform an iconography analysis of the styles and elements present in the urban graffiti making in the Metropolitan area of Medellin. This research arises from a qualitative methodology and its located within the historical review of the pertinence of graffiti; in the city, it is worth mentioning the social significance that is imposed in urban artistic movement, that beyond expressing talent also lead to re-significations of the Colombian context and its historicity. Currently, graffiti implies in itself an element of social restoration for the city of Medellin and its surroundings, modifying the social dynamics for the youngsters and improving the City-brand from tourism, mostly among the juvenile and foreign populations; from that, en exaltation of significant elements is established, as well of some social recognition ones, taking into account a reality which is always generally linked to what’s established for the citizens, from progress, history, and the need for change.