Near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia

“Mural Histórico de Lisboa” in the Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon, Portugal.    In the Lumiar neighborhood in Lisbon, Portugal.

 

 

In Anika’s Portuguese language class, the class discussed whether graffiti is a form of art or vandalism? From that discussion, Anika drew away the conclusion that graffiti or, more generally-speaking, street art can play a provocative and impactful role in specific communities by highlighting current social topics.

Interestingly enough, these three examples of street art relate to Goal #10 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Reduce inequality within and among countries. More specifically, it touches on Target 10.2., which is focused on “empower[ing] and promot[ing] the social, economic and political inclusion of all”.

The mural from Sydney presents an image of individuals of different races co-existing in the same space peacefully. The mural has the words: “You are the fruits of one tree / and the leaves of one branch”, emphasizing multicultural unity. This shows how a community in White-majority Australia is providing space to recognize the existence and inclusion of non-White people in their community. Sometimes, however, murals that depict this type of imagery are criticized for presenting a harmonious scene and not recognizing the different and unique cultural experiences.

The “Mural Histórico de Lisboa” showcases the history of Lisbon through a graphic novel style street art. This street art recognizes the Arabic and Jewish influences within Portuguese culture, emphasizing the societal awareness of their presence. However, the mural’s focus is on elevating the colonial status and influence of Portugal and, by doing so, subjugates Arabic, Jewish, and also colonial subjects in the process. Ultimately, this mural seems to be in conversation with Goal #10 even though it does not fulfill.

The final street art is a form of graffiti with the terms, “ACAB” and “fuck porcos [pigs]?”. Portugal as influenced by the United States’ Black Lives Matter movements, predominantly in 2020, and many of the ideas and terms have entered Portuguese society. These terms showcase that people are feeling disturbed with the Portuguese police system. However, furthermore, this also exemplifies how people are feeling empowered to make calls for change with the aim of improving the lives of Black Portuguese.

Communities like those in Sydney and Lisbon may not have fully achieved inclusion for all, but they are clearly taking steps towards that direction.