Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city that combines tradition and modernity, history and innovation, elegance and vibrancy. Lisbon expresses its creative spirit through street art, which can be found in various corners of the city, from the historic center to the suburbs. Street art in Lisbon is not only a form of artistic expression but also a way of social commentary, political protest, cultural promotion, and urban regeneration. In this article, I will take you on a tour of some of the most impressive and meaningful street art pieces in Lisbon and introduce you to the artists behind them.
The Crono Project
One of the most ambitious and influential street art initiatives in Lisbon, Portugal, was the Crono Project, launched in 2010 by the gallery Underdogs and the urban art platform GAU (Galeria de Arte Urbana). The project's principal goal was to convert the abandoned and deteriorating buildings along the Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, one of the city's main avenues, into a massive open-air gallery for contemporary urban art. Blu, Os Gêmeos, Vhils, Sam3, Ericailcane, and Lucy McLauchlan, some of the most renowned national and international street artists, were invited by the project to create large-scale murals on the facades of the buildings.
Subjects of street art themes covered included globalization, consumerism, identity, and nature. The result was a stunning display of color, style, and creativity that attracted thousands of visitors and changed the city's landscape. Street art may have been born in New York, but "The Cronos Project" attracted international street artists from all over the globe. It is now worldwide. Blu is from Bologna, Italy, Sam3 is from Spain, and Lucy McLauchlan is from Great Britain, to name a few.
Vhils and the Scratching the Surface Project
One of the most prominent and distinctive street artists in Lisbon is Alexandre Farto, better known as Vhils. Vhils has developed a unique technique of carving portraits of anonymous people on the walls of the city, using tools such as hammers, chisels, drills, and explosives. His work is part of his ongoing project called Scratching the Surface, which explores the concept of urban decay and the impact of modernization on the identity and memory of the city and its inhabitants. Vhils' portraits aim to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the people who live on the margins of society and to expose the layers of history and culture that are hidden under the surface of the city. Vhils' work can be seen in various locations around Lisbon, such as the Alfama neighborhood, the Beato area, and the Alcantara docks.
This image above is a Black-and-white portrait mural, which is a common style found in Lisbon's vibrant street art scene. While the image doesn't have a visible signature, Lisbon is home to too many talented street artists, known for their large-scale murals, including Vhils (Alexandre Farto)who is renowned for his texture portraits created through drilling and hammering techniques. The Alfama District in Lisbon is especially renowned for its large murals by talented street artists. Join a walking street art tour to immerse yourself in this amazing culture and possibly identify the artist.
Bordalo II and the Trash Animals Project
Another street artist who has gained international recognition for his original and provocative work is Artur Bordalo, aka Bordalo II. Bordalo II uses trash and recycled materials, such as plastic, tires, metal, and wood, to create sculptures of animals that he attaches to the walls or places in public spaces. His work is part of his project called Trash Animals, which aims to raise awareness about the environmental problems caused by human waste and consumption, and the threat of extinction that many species face. Bordalo II's work also> challenges the perception of trash as something worthless and ugly and transforms it into something valuable and beautiful. Some animals that Bordalo II has created in Lisbon include a raccoon, a fox, a frog, a bee, and a flamingo.
Bordalo II, born Artur Bordalo in Lisbon in 1987, is a renowned Portuguese street artist and self-described activist. His unique approach to art involves creating large-scale installations using discarded materials and transforming trash into striking animal sculptures to raise awareness about environmental issues. Bordalo II's work is a commentary on the waste produced by our consumerist society and its impact on the natural world. His pieces are not only visually interesting but also carry a powerful message about sustainability and the need for change in our consumption habits. One of his most notable works in Lisbon is a sculpture of an Iberian Lynx, in Parque das Nações, which stands as a symbol of the city's commitment to environmental consciousness.
Half Young Panda
\The mural is a captivating blend of human and animal elements set against a cosmic backdrop, showcasing the unique and imaginative style that characterizes Lisbon's vibrant street art scene. This piece has the style of Micaela Amaral, but I am uncertain if she is the artist.
The street art in the image was created by an artist named Micaela Amaral, and as you can see, it is very similar to the one above. The mural features a vibrant underwater scene with a mermaid and various marine life, showcasing the lively and imaginative street art culture in Lisbon. If you're interested in more information about Micaela Amaral's work or the street art scene in Lisbon, look to the web.
The street art was created by an artist who signed as "SUPER OFERTA." This playful artwork features a character resembling Batman in a whimsical scenario, riding a small toy car. It's a humorous and creative take on the superhero theme, common in the vibrant street art culture of Lisbon.
"The artist who signs their work as "@utopia. Artist" created this street art. The mural is a colorful display of abstract shapes and faces, characteristic of the expressive street art scene in Lisbon.
Based on the image and the signature present, it suggests that the street art piece was indeed created by an artist named “Lee Soze.” The vibrant composition and the name signed on the mural align with the information given in the image. If you’re looking to confirm the authenticity or learn more about Lee Soze’s work, you might visit Lisbon’s street art areas or check out local galleries that showcase urban art. Remember, street art is often best experienced in person, where you can appreciate the scale and context of the artwork within the city’s landscape.in Lisbon.
This image showcases a colorful street art mural with chess-inspired elements and whimsical creatures. Lisbon is home to too many talented street artists who contribute to the city’s vibrant urban art scene. I can’t identify the specific artist responsible for the street art, but exploring Lisbon’s street art scene in areas of Bairro Alto, Alfama, Marvila, or LX Factory, where you might see similar works, will help identify the artist.
This image, a large mural of a red fox sitting on a stump, is executed in a style that includes intricate patterns and vibrant colors. This type of work is characteristic of Lisbon’s dynamic street art scene. I found references to a similar piece by Bordalo II, who is known for creating “Big Trash Animals” out of trash and painted materials.
This image depicts a peacock mural created on a series of square tiles, showcasing a unique integration of street art with architectural elements. While the artist’s name isn’t directly provided in the image, this looks much like the work of “Ogringo,” aka Bastien Thomasini, a mixed-media, street artist from France. Lisbon is known for its use of colorful tiles to decorate buildings, doors, walls, and streets.
This artwork was created by the artist with the Instagram handle @ogrino.75, aka Bastien Tomasini, as shown by the tag in the bottom right corner. The piece features a stork depicted in a style reminiscent of traditional ceramic art, with blue floral patterns characteristic of Delftware or Azulejos. This integration of the bird with ornate background elements creates a visually striking effect, showcasing the artist’s skill in blending traditional motifs with contemporary street art. If you’re interested in more works by this artist, you might find them under the same Instagram handle or by exploring street art galleries and exhibitions.
When you visit Lisbon, take the time to discover the beautiful street art that has become a symbol of Portuguese creativity and tolerance. Lisbon’s streets are a canvas for a vibrant tapestry of street art that captures the essence of the city’s soul. As you wander through the distinct districts, you’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of artistic expression that reflects Lisbon’s rich culture and history. Here, I have given you a glimpse into the world of Lisbon street art, complete with photo examples to illustrate the city’s creative pulse.
Alfama District- In the heart of Lisbon, the Alfama District serves as a canvas for renowned street artists like Vhils( Alexandre Farto) who uses unconventional methods like drilling and hammering to create stunning portraits.
Bairro Alto District- Where art meets heritage, Barrio Alto offers a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Street art here tells stories of the city’s past and present, with murals that often incorporate elements of Portuguese folklore and urban culture.
Graça District- A tribute to literary icons, the Graca District features murals that celebrate the written word and Portugal’s rich literary tradition. It’s a place where poetry meets paint, and stories come alive on the walls.
Belem District- Known for the iconic Bordalo II’s “Trash Animals” Belem transforms waste into art. His pieces are a commentary on environmental issues, using recycled materials to construct vibrant animal sculptures.
Avenidas Novas District- This district showcases international collaborations, with large-scale murals that bring together artists from around the world. The result is a diverse collection of styles and messages that resonate with a global audience.
Join a Walking Street Art Tour
Immerse yourself in Lisbon’s creativity by joining a walking street art tour. It’s an odyssey into the city’s artistic heart, where creativity, history, and community converge to tell a visual story as diverse and dynamic as Lisbon itself.
Lisbon’s street art scene is a living tapestry of creativity, constantly evolving and inviting locals and visitors alike to engage with the city in new and meaningful ways. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious about urban culture, Lisbon’s street art is a captivating journey through color, form, and narrative.
For those looking to explore Lisbon’s street art in more detail, including photo examples, check out the comprehensive guides and resources available online. These will not only provide you with visual inspiration but also offer insights into the stories behind the murals and the artists who created them. Lisbon awaits with its open-air gallery, ready to tell its story through the brushstrokes of its street artists.
Armand Gonzalzles, “The Louisiana Traveler,” resides in New Orleans, but the world is his home.
