Ivory Coast’s Economic Hub Abidjan Turns Into Vibrant Graffiti Gallery – Africa.com
go through Lukoman Coulibaly
Bright colors are reviving the urban canvas of the Plateau district of Abidjan, the economic heart of Côte d’Ivoire.
Ivorians have previously viewed graffiti with disdain, and graffiti artists could be prosecuted. But this view is changing, with graffiti murals becoming more common on city walls as the art form becomes more accepted.
Towering murals and intricate graffiti now adorn the exteriors of international hotels and major thoroughfares.
The first “Ivory Graff Festival” attracted some 40 national and international artists, who spent two weeks in November transforming bland walls into 300-meter-long works of art.
Benjamin Le Lieve, chairman of festival organizer Graff Ivoire, said he was proud to launch a new initiative.
Passers-by admired the artists’ creations and recognized their efforts to transform the city center.
“This brings changes to the city of Abidjan,” said Ivorian citizen Michael Bender.
South African artist Dbongz Mahlathi said: “The graffiti I create is not for myself…but for the people who see it every day.”
source: Reuters
