Street Art in Bogota, as Legit as it Gets
Street art can be found all over the world. It’s a constant in terms of South American travel. Colombia is no different. Street art in Bogota can be spotted in nearly every corner of the city. Some pieces are beautiful, some pieces are tacky but all tell a story. Street art in Bogota is arguably one of the most important reflections of Colombian history.
Street Art in Bogota, Today
Today, people do not consider street art in Bogota a form of vandalism. Largely people accept the paintings as legitimate art. It has been decriminalized and is viewed by the government as acceptable everywhere except for the old city. But this change did not happen overnight and not without a fair share of controversy. Originally all graffiti was illegal, artist would work under the cover of darkness. When caught by police often times a bribe would save the artist from being arrested. Throughout the years Bogota decriminalized street art but the officials largely did not adapt to the new regulations.
Working off the backs of the indigenous population
The “Pineapple Grenade” symbols in the background represent a plea to plant foods instead of bombs.
The greed of powerful companies in this case the mining companies which offer unfair wages to workers.
“Warbugs”. Bugs with guns for arms symbolize how the bugs and war are similar pests. Artist DJ Lu
Diego Becerra
A modern day Colombian martyr since his death on August 19, 2011. Diego was a 16 year old Colombian artist shot to death by the police. One day he was painting a wall somewhere in Bogota when the police arrived. The story as it is known today would say that the boy ran away out of fear and was shot in the back. As a result of his injuries Diego died shortly later. This sparked outrage in the community. The police are said to have made up a story for the public saying the boy was seen running from a store nearby that had just been robbed. The boy was said to have pointed a gun at the officers and consequently the police shot him in defense of their own lives.
The Truth
Over the years the truth was revealed. Diego did not rob a store and contrary to what the police officers said he was not armed that last night of his life. The officers were interrogated for the shooting and reported that their superior officers had forced them into making up lies to save the police department from embarrassment.
Years have passed and there has been little to no justice in this case as reported by the guide of The Free Graffiti Tour in Bogota. The officer that pulled the trigger managed to escaped the country just after the court sentenced him to serve 37 years. As a result he is wanted by Interpol and the Colombian authorities. No other officers involved served any prison time.
Justin Bieber
How could a Canadian pop star have any influence in the street art policies in Bogota? Turns out that no one dislikes The Biebs more than Colombian street artists. Why, you ask. Following the murder of Diego, Bieber had a concert in Bogota. During his stay in the country he had a police escort take him to an area of the city where he would spray paint a Canadian flag with a marijuana leaf replacing the maple leaf. Needless to say this sparked outrage in Colombia and the international street art community. Colombians couldn’t wrap their heads around the idea that the same police department escorted a person to paint a wall, the same actions that lead them to murder one of their own sons.
Street Art in Bogota, Today
After this murder Bogota adapted to the decriminalization of street art. Even though the policies had been put into place years earlier. Street art with the consent of property owners is legitimate. Presently, the city even finances some of the street art found in the city.
Aftermath
The family of Diego Becerra is said to be receiving anonymous threats aimed at getting them to drop the legal processes against the involved police members and city. Nonetheless they continue their struggle towards justice. They hope to extend the decriminalization of street art to include all of Colombia.
Afterthoughts
This news hit me pretty hard. Being from The United States I know first hand how a country can be plagued by police killings. I sincerely felt instant pain for the the family of Diego Becerra. I wish them peace and justice for their son. Parents shouldn’t have to bury their children.
