Like most cities, those in Peru and Bolivia have loads of graffiti on the wall. However, unlike in the U.S., most graf there is explicitly political. Below are 19 photos from our trip, some political, others just fun. They're accompanied by my poor translation and attempted explanation if necessary. Enjoy.
Lima, Peru - The government notice says, "Respect the facades, don't write or post papers."
Arequipa, Peru - "The voices of the oppressed clamour for freedom."
On the wall of Buho Bar in Copacabana, Bolivia - "Neither forgetting, nor forgiving. Justice! Cry of the excluded of Bolivia. Association of the Families of those Fallen in the Defense of Gas.
The photo, labelled "murderer" is of Goni (Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada), two-time president of Bolivia, including in 2003, during the Gas Wars when the Bolivian army killed over 70 protesters.
Copacabana, Bolivia
Copacabana, Bolivia - "Don't hide from Maria!"
La Paz, Bolivia - A most ironic configuration. The Coke ad says, "Enthusiasm is contagious and I want to get sick," and the Che mural says, "All our action is a cry of war against imperialism."
La Paz, Bolivia - "Anti-Falangist Anarchism" Bolivia has a fascist, Spanish-inspired Falange party based in, where else?, Santa Cruz.
La Paz, Bolivia - I have no idea what this is about.
La Paz, Bolivia - "The government pisses on us and the press says it's raining."
La Paz, Bolivia - "To write a poem is part of the war." C. Williams
La Paz, Bolivia - "No to the initiative of law HR4437. The undocumented in the U.S. have the right to a dignified life. They are not criminals. www.jornada.unam.mx
HR4437 is the draconian, anti-immigrant bill that passed the House in December. Visit NoOnHR4437.org.
La Paz, Bolivia - "Mesa, you bastard!"
Carlos Mesa became president after Goni (see above) resigned. Mesa resigned in June, 2005, after massive demonstrations during the second round of the Gas War. "Mesa, cabron!" was a popular chant during those protests.
La Paz, Bolivia - "Costa Obregon Anarchist." I'm not sure what this means, though Alberto Costa Obregon ran for president in 2002 on the progressive Freedom and Justice Party ticket.
Cochabamba, Bolivia - "Go home tourists by the mayor's office." Obviously someone didn't like us there.
Cochabamba, Bolivia - "Police, murderers, whores, long live coca."
Cochabama, Bolivia - "Transnationals out, damn it!"
Cochabamba, Bolivia - "The world would be more beautiful...with cocaine."
Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru - "Has anyone seen my girlfriend? - Handsome and Nerd"
i have seen the one with the little boy stencil ...i have been a round lima i loveit there...there is so much artwork around like crazy thats why i love it compared to over here in california
Posted by: scallywag | November 23, 2006 at 05:42 PM
hahaha, I know the guy who does those pikachu/radiohead ones. never thought it would turn up in google images while searching for pics of lima. good memories.
Posted by: marlene | February 28, 2008 at 04:13 PM
i don't understand why you show only the political graffiti of bolivia and don't show the real art of graffiti, here's a page of a crew in La Paz, they make pieces of art with spray...the political graffiti is just a little part of the graffiti in bolivia
Les mando saludos a todos los que entiendan mi intento de ingles Viva Bolivia!!!!
http://www.fotolog.com/meskaline
Posted by: Ivan | November 20, 2008 at 03:31 AM
Everywhere the IMF is war prevails! Quest for profit equals war! Down with capitalism!
Posted by: Richard Neva | May 17, 2009 at 11:57 PM
thats dope man....i took a pic of that same fuck police tagging when i was in copacabana last april
Posted by: david andrade | October 07, 2009 at 12:39 AM