Bogotá, where the walls tell stories

Graffiti is a form of street art, typically created by spray painting or other materials on public surfaces. Graffiti often bears the personal stamp of the creator, through writing, drawings, or symbols. Graffiti can be found in almost every corner of Colombia, but is most famous in the capital city of Bogotá.

1 (9) (2).jpg — A work by Stinkfish, a renowned Colombian street artist. His work emphasizes the “importance of the common man” and reflects a deep belief that public art should be accessible to everyone.

Here, the vibrant graffiti that covers the walls tells stories of indigenous heritage, political turmoil, and dreams for the future. Bogotá’s most famous graffiti artists include Stinkfish, Toxicomano, DJLU, Bastardilla…

Unlike many countries where graffiti is strictly restricted, Bogotá allows artists to paint freely if they have permission from the owner of the wall or surface. In Bogotá, homeowners often contact graffiti artists to select and discuss the content of the work with the artist. That is why people call Bogotá a graffiti paradise.

3. Graffiti tour là một trong những tour đông khách nhất tại Bogotá.jpg — Graffiti tour is one of the most popular tours in Bogotá

This freedom also attracts international graffiti artists and fosters a local community that creates art that reflects the political, social, and cultural diversity of Colombia, giving Bogotá a unique place in the global urban art scene.

"Currently, Bogotá has about 5,000 graffiti artists, of which 10% are women (Bogotá is the place with the highest concentration of female graffiti artists in the world). The remuneration is variable, it can be very high but it can also be... free. Sometimes when we find a suitable owner, we just need to sponsor the paint," said Samuel, a graffiti artist from Argentina.

"Except for pornographic themes, all that is required is an agreement with the owner of the place where you want to paint. The content of the graffiti works is completely free, there are no sensitive topics, no forbidden areas," Stiven, 28 years old, a graffiti artist in Bogotá, shared with Thanh Nien reporter.

7. Tác phẩm _Cô gái thổ dân_ gần khu phố cổ Candelaria.jpg — The work of the Native Girl near the old town of Candelaria

In the capital of Colombia, graffiti tours are one of the most popular tours. Led by local graffiti artists, visitors will learn more about the history and messages behind the graffiti works on the streets. Another interesting thing is that the murals here change regularly, new works appear and old works are covered, bringing uniqueness and freshness to visitors every time they visit.