Street Arts and Murals: 6 Places You Can Appreciate Art For Free
The drawings, doodles and paintings we see in public places have evolved from being called vandalism to a form of art. Society has taken street arts as part of our modern culture. They have become, in a way, a reflection of our identity and another way for us to appreciate art in a different light.
If you love art or seek to be inspired, here are some places you can appreciate art outdoors and for free.
Dela Rosa Elevated Walkway in Makati CBD
A small portion of the long stretch of art on Dela Rosa Walkwat. /IMAGE Rai Cruz website
The long stretch of elevated walkway on Dela Rosa St. takes a lot of foot traffic every day. Due to the busy and fast-paced lifestyle in Makati, many people just come and go. Slow down and take the time to appreciate the long work of art for a while. Started by Ayala Land in 2013, the project was a collaboration of many contemporary artists, including Rai Cruz, Kookoo Ramos, Nemo Aguila, Garapata and more.
Murals in BGC
Bonifacio Global City is known not only for its upscale community and fast paced lifestyle but also for its aesthetic quality. BGC embodies a sophisticated combination of infrastructure and urban art. The trend of murals in BGC started in May 2015, during the Art BGC Festival, wherein murals by international and local artists were painted on huge building walls and street corners.
Sgt. Mariano Cemetery in Pasay City
Commissioned by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), street artists like Lee Salvador from Cavity Collective started giving life to the cemetery on Mariano Street that was once littered with garbage. It was a joint effort by the government, the artists and the community to make this part of the city more pleasing and attractive.
Anda Street Basketball Courts in Intramuros, Manila
History meets modern art. That is the case of the graffiti wall in Anda Street basketball courts amid the historic city of Intramuros. The work of art is a collaboration of Pilipinas Street Plan and The Method Makers from California.
UP Diliman in Quezon City
Mural on a wall outside of UP Diliman Art Department. /IMAGE Gerilya Google Arts & Culture page
Street art and murals in UP are not just Instagram-worthy. Artists in UP Diliman bring social and political significance to their art. The artist collective Gerilya, whose artists are alumni of the university, is behind the murals at the UP Diliman College of Fine Arts. Most of their works are inspired by cultural values, historical events and socio-political issues.
Eastwood City in Quezon City
Eastwood City is a commercial and residential complex in Libis, Quezon City, brimming with energy. You will find a lot of restaurants and establishments that are very much alive even late at night. Matching the mood of the city are spray-painted murals by Kookoo Ramos. Her art has made people turn heads on once dull and neglected building vents and gates.
Written by: Rizelle “Rei” Leaño
Images grabbed from: Rai Cruz website, Gerilya Google Arts & Culture page, @artbgc, @lee.salvador, @methodmakers, @kookoo.ramos via Instagram
