Some Thoughts

Walking around these past few weeks, and taking a look at surrounds Valparaiso offers many things have come to mind. I head home in a few weeks after nearly one year and half out of the country. The streets, sounds and sights, present a bounty of elements - many of which we simply do not have in Canada. The labrynth of streets, pathways and passages that always seem to trickle upon a new piece or art/graffiti baffles me still to this day. I must say that the way this culture has chosen to present itself is unique and the art certainly brings out and seems to evokes all the senses. The warmth from all the surrounding colours is subliminally comfortable - and I sure am going to miss it. The aesthetics, paintings, graffiti, scultures and music bring this city to life. While it isn't the richest of cities in Chile - it certainly is rich with culture... and it is obvious by the vibe the city feeds out.

The Colourful House Syndrome

Today wandering the streets - a simularity struck me. Let us start off with a picture of Valparaiso.
Bright, colourful, vibrant and alive. A port city by nature, with a rich cultural history, this city is full of life. The colours are remarkably distinctive from many other places in the world... except for one (maybe 2 others ontop San Francisco + La Boca, Buenos Aires)!
Now let's take a look at a picture of one of our own landmark cities: St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.
St. John's is equally as bright and colorful, and well - a port city!
Can any simularities be drawn as to why? While it may seem obvious that perhaps being on portside, there would be a need for visibility from the water. But I believe it goes a bit deeper. It might be that perhaps it is a search for tourists, a way to make a name for themselves? Both hard working class communities - seems as though a way to make a name for themselves; an expression of sorts. This could be the very definition of art in itself. My history might be a bit shady, but to the best of my recollection both cities have been hit at various times by economic turmoil. Perhaps this is a way of recovering by lifting spirits - or lifting them before sailors set out to sea. Perhaps this is the first thing other boats from foreign countries would see when landing from lands far away; a warm welcome? Whatever the exact, or collection of, reasons may be; maybe our countries are not as different as we had thought. Maybe there are some underlying artistic routes that keep people bonded. Stay tuned!

A Laid Back Sunday Afternoon

Like in most places around the world, Sundays tend to be a day to put your feet up and relax* (*or a day to panic and finish everything you have yet to complete during the week.. but thats besides the point..). Here in Valparaiso, its no different. But theres something that differentiates the feeling. Maybe its just being foreign - but theres a majestic roar underneath the cities streets and behind the shadded apartments... music. Its filling the streets, and seaping through the windows of the apartments. I suppose to truly understand the ways in which a culture presents its artwork in various ways you have to understand the roots of expression - what better way to begin than by looking at music. Friday night I went out to a fairly popular seafood restaurant. Something was missing in the atmosphere - it was dead it seemed. The element - music! Think about it; what it adds and means.

Walking from the bottom of Cerro Alegre (a small hill) to the top, I passed vibrant reggaton beats from apartment windows mingled with the calm guitar melodies of people playing in their homes. Music surrounds the city and it is openly expressed throughout the city. In fact just sitting here as I type, marching band-esque sounds pound away in the background from a celebration at an old prison just minutes away. Not the mention the festival of "Mil Tamboures" (1000 Drums) that stretched across the city 2 weeks ago to the Saxaphone players last weekend. The city is bursting with musical escapades with melodies by all different types of musicians. Music seems to be a way of connecting elements. It is a culture of its own and evokes an individual sentiment among the people it touches. Its in our living areas, our work spaces, our means of transportation, the media.. etc. It fills up a space with all of the intangibles. But at the same time it means a little something different to everyone.

Just some things to think about!

Introduction

I suppose one of the greatest marvels that I have witnessed within this host culture is the displays of art throughout the city. Love it or hate it, the vibe it creates is one that grabs ahold of any outsider. The seemingly smaller, less economically fierce subburbs of Valparaiso are brought to life with these depictions, creations and awe inspiring markings.

Graffiti (singular: graffito) is the name for images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property. Graffiti is sometimes regarded as a form of art and other times regarded as unsightly damage or unwanted.
Source: Wiki.

Seems pretty simple on the surface. But let us dig a bit deeper and over these next few months see what lays underneath it all.

I have posted some snapshots from my first visit to Valpo on a photo hunt. I just returned from another one and will upload those soon!

CHRIS WUZ HERE.