Since 2005, urban art in Rio has been experiencing a boom. Walls, posts, pavements, buildings and various other structures have taken on colours, shapes, characters, in styles that have become well‐recognised by residents and visitors. Artists, individually or collectively, mark their turf in circuits that have become consecrated street art pilgrimages. From the South Zone to the North Zone, there are many tour opportunities for you to discover Rio’s iconic urban artwork.
The first graffiti point in the South Zone started on the extensive wall of the Jockey Club Brasileiro. The movement began on Rua Jardim Botânico and bore the tags of dozens of artists and then continued onto Rua Borges de Medeiros, where the names of the most recognized names in the carioca street art scene are painted. The vibrant color of the giant images composed alongside the green of the mountains and beauty of the lagoon create a unique landscape. Another “traditional” spot is the wall of the Colégio de Aplicação. The renowned Fleshbeck Crew is a major player in the growth of street art in the neighborhood and their work is all over.
One of Rio’s most charming areas, this is an obligatory stop for cariocas and tourists, as Santa’s hills provide the canvas for much of the city’s street art. The hallmarks there are the stencils, wheat‐paste posters and slogans, the latter tying in very much with the poetic vibe of the neighborhood. Rua Almirante Alexandrino, from start to finish, has been claimed by art. The Caminho do Graffiti tour in the pacified favela community Prazeres, where graffiti artist and resident SWK was raised, is another unmissable attraction. Be sure to make your way up there and check out the 500m2 of art, determination and transformation of over 100 artists that have contributed to this very carioca makeover on the steep sides of this favela.
More than 130 graffiti artists, divided into groups of 10, have painted the longest extension of graffiti in Rio, a record that will be difficult to beat. The walls that border the 40km stretch of the Metro Line 2 between São Cristóvão and Pavuna have been turned into an open‐air gallery. The project was coordinated by EixoRio, City Hall’s initiative that celebrates urban expression and that also created the Espaço GaleRio for temporary exhibitions in the Botafogo neighborhood.
The biggest graffiti mural in Rio is in the city’s port district. The panel occupies 2 square metres on the side of a large building on the corner of Rua Sacadura Cabral and Rua Coelho e Castro. The project was executed by nine artists under the direction of famous artist Tomaz “o Toz” Viana. The surrounding area hosts major street art festival Art Rua as well as various other murals signed by graffiti talents from Brazil and around the world who have participated in the event. A good wander around the area is recommended as you’ll eventually come across Pedra do Sal where there is even more impressive street art or alternatively there are the many museums and cultural centres in the area.
Morro do Vidigal has an astonishing view of the deep blues of the sky and ocean. And numerous stretches of the community’s winding ascents have been claimed by street art. The host here is Thiago “o Tarm” Molon and one of his suggested routes begins on Rua Principal (João Goulart). As you go up you will arrive at “atalho” an alleyway with paintings of renowned artists Big, Meton, SWK, Jou, Joana César, Mateu Velasco and Ment. And from there just continue up, past Rua Nova and you will start to descend on Rua Dr. Olinto Magalhães, the most famous stretch on the tour. Two French artists, Kongo and Noe Two, have left their own mark here in this South Zone community and then further on you will find work belonging to Derlon, an artist from the Northeastern state of Pernambuco who depicts typical characters from the region.
Address
: Avenida Niemeyr, , Vidigal
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