The World is a Canvas: Valparaíso, Chile's Graffiti

Written by Bessie about Chile. Feelin' normal

Throughout the city of Valpraíso, Chile, urban artwork prevails and gives the landscape incredible dimension.  It's colorful, it's creative, and it's free for the eyes of anyone interested in observing.  Here are some of our favorite shots, perhaps ready to create on a garage door near you.

apaga la tele, vive tu vida = turn off the tv, live your life

funny to see graffiti in english

beneath the asphault, there are flowers that have not been born.

Salvador Allende - Chilean socialist president

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16 Comments

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• January 24, 2009

  Geoff

  

  That's real cool graffiti, and great pics too, Valparaiso looks great.

• January 25, 2009

  mumsie

  

  Wow. Artistic expression or what?! My favorites: the wall of furniture pieces AND your standing at the high end of row-houses. Colorful neighborhood. Pretty darn cool!!

• January 26, 2009

  Jenny

  

  This is why I like art and open streets. Art is such a wonderful thing!

• January 26, 2009

  DADDIO

  

  You put this together just for ME didn't you!!! You knew I would love it!!!
  What's this I see on the first page of your site... OVER 17,000 MILES TRAVELED??! WWWOOOOOOOWWW!
  Thanks for all of the street art photos and the lovely VW BUG...
  We love you both... and missssssss you bunches...........

• January 27, 2009

  Liza Lou

  

  My fav is apaga le tele!!!

• January 30, 2009

  Bessie

  

  I know, I love that one. And a photography blog I follow put it as one of their photos of the day: planetearthdailyphoto.blogspot.com/ (Jan 22)

• January 27, 2009

  Melissa

  

  Why so much Graffiti in one area? Is it known for it?
  
  Beautiful pics guys :)

• January 30, 2009

  Kyle

  

  I think there is just a very relaxed attitude there about those sort of things. Kind of like "well, we don't have enough money to paint the walls, so we'll just let anyone do it."

• January 30, 2009

  Bessie

  

  it's a super artsy area with lots of college students too, so there are lots of unique cafes, shops, etc, so it all creates a cool, funky vibe. In a number of ways, it's sort of the San Francisco of South America - also that it's hilly & on a bay.

• January 30, 2009

  Linda

  

  Loved, loved, loved the wall art. Particularly fond of the hand with paper airplanes and the lady with the butterflies. Wonderful color! I see your VW lust continues!

• October 19, 2010

  nicoline Helgø

  

  hey Im going to valparaiso in november and actually want to make a documentary about a graffiti artist in that city. Did u get meet one? please email me :)
  nico from norway

• October 20, 2010

  Kyle

  

  Hi nico! Sorry, we did not get to meet any of the graffiti artists there; we only were able to admire their work.

• April 13, 2011

  Addie

  

  These are amazing! I was in Valpo last semester studying abroad. I could not get enough, immediately found a way to go back to Chile and will be there all summer. Maybe I will just stay? You guys seem to have made it work. Keep doing what you're doing, it's important to show people that it's possible!

• May 11, 2011

  Graciela

  

  I was in Valparaíso not long ago, and I was amazed by all the Art around me. I saw more than you have here and when I go back I will try and stay for two days so I can wonder around and marvel about it.
  Have you any more pictures?
  Thank you Bessie

• May 11, 2011

  Kyle

  

  We sure do! Our Chile photos are at: http://www.onourownpath.com/photos/chile/14949470-72157612765941366/sets

• January 19, 2012

  Susan

  

  It's January 2012 just returning to Washington DC from a group tour of Argentina and Chile. Our guide took us to Vaparasio to see the historical seaport. Wow what a breath of fresh air to see all the unexpected graffiti art. It would be really wonderful to have a local guide to walk groups around. A man in a window said he had a knock on his door, the artist presented the plan to him for his wall and he gave his permission. He is so proud of his house now. Fun for the locals and a true tourist attraction.

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