As we are witnessing a genocide unfolding before our eyes in Gaza, hundreds of thousands of people around the world have come together to march and protest in solidarity with the Palestinians and demand a ceasefire. However, I can’t help but feel disappointment with the street art community that is, for the most part, silent, a community that “supposedly” supports underserved communities and gives a voice to the voiceless. Seasonal in Ruins by Escif The contrast between the vocal condemnation of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine by artists who advocate for peace and justice and their relative silence on the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians is indeed striking. While many artists have used their platforms to raise their voices against one form of conflict, it raises questions about the consistency of their advocacy. The situation in Palestine demands a similar commitment to the principles of justice, human rights, and empathy for those affected by violence and oppression. It underscores th
This month at Montana Colors we’ve celebrated #mtnwokemonth: a series of publications and articles on MTN World and on social media highlighting the role of graffiti, street art, muralism and exhibitions in promoting social causes. We can think of no-one better to cap off the month than Okuda San Miguel , a world-famous Spanish artist who makes no secret of the role of his art in the promotion of freedom of collectives of all kinds. MTN World caught up with him during the production of a huge new collaboration in Valencia with Sixe Paredes to talk about social causes in art, the effect of travelling on the environment and his support for the LGBTQI+ community. Are there any artists that you think have an interesting social message? I love Icy and Sot , I think their work is incredible. Besides, I know their backstory: they escaped from Iran because they were going to be imprisoned just for their art, and they have political asylum in the United States. What they communicate in t
Nuart Aberdeen is back in full force this year with yet another stellar line up to grace the streets of Scotland’s “Granite City.” The theme for this year’s festival is “Rewilding,” a subject that touches on many issues related to “Trespass and Transgression,” a topic extensively explored by the ingenious Nuart Journal associates during the past year. “As anyone who knows me will profess, getting quotes from me is like getting blood from a stone – not because I have anything particular against quotes, and I’m aware it’s possibly some deep-seated insecurity about the value of my ideas – but looking at this year’s program I couldn’t be happier, so here it is. I guess it’s testament to the hard work from all involved and the welcome that Aberdeen’s citizens have given to Nuart these past years, that without exception, everyone we reach out to says, yes, they’d love to come to the city. Word has spread, and continues to do so, about just what an incredibly unique and authentic city and p
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