Street Art in Rio

I believe Rio de Janeiro has always been known as one of the most vibrant cities in South America, and its street art inspired by political and social aspects of the City’s recent history is testament to its complexity.

Several years ago, the Brazilian government passed a law making street art legal and thus began an evolution from typical graffiti to street murals. Commercial building owners sometimes commission artists to express themselves with artwork on their buildings. Maybe it is cheaper than repainting due to tagging and graffiti.

These photos were taken along the avenue leading to the new Aqua Rio Aquarium, built just before the Olympic games were held in Rio.  If you look closely, you can easily see the windows and doors of the buildings.