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Graffiti: Paint and Protest in Europe

Aside from the physical landscape, what does graffiti and street art actually change? Steve Urquhart investigates.

Graffiti鈥檚 modern role is evolving rapidly. From Europe to Brazil, street artists are displaying their anger about inequality, invisibility, corruption and control. Powerful images and words on walls are creating international headlines. But can breaking one law help to change another? Where should the line be drawn between democracy and vandalism, vandalism and art?

In an era of rapid political, social and economic change, graffiti in Paris and Barcelona has become more prolific 鈥 and less tolerated 鈥 than ever before. Artists including Blek Le Rat (the 鈥渇ather of stencil graffiti鈥), Roc Blackblock, Suriani and Vegan Bunnies defend their actions, and discuss whether such 鈥渇reedom of expression鈥 on walls should have any limits. Presented by Steve Urquhart.

(Photo: People pass by an unfinished street art graffiti made in a stairway by French street artists Zag and Sia in Paris, 1 March 2016. Credit: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images)

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27 minutes

Last on

Sun 31 Jul 2016 10:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 26 Jul 2016 02:32GMT
  • Tue 26 Jul 2016 04:32GMT
  • Tue 26 Jul 2016 05:32GMT
  • Tue 26 Jul 2016 06:32GMT
  • Tue 26 Jul 2016 12:32GMT
  • Tue 26 Jul 2016 18:32GMT
  • Tue 26 Jul 2016 19:32GMT
  • Sat 30 Jul 2016 21:06GMT
  • Sun 31 Jul 2016 10:32GMT