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Art, in any form, is one of the best, non-verbal medium to express oneself. Many street artists relay their views, political and otherwise, through their public work. This significant art movement initiated during the 1930’s when Mexican muralism acquired significant attention from the public people… it not only expressed social opinions, but also addressed the controversial political issues. Most Mexican murals were conspicuously displayed in public places, causing much needed discomfort among all levels of society and this continues today with the likes of Banksy not being afraid to voice his controversial opinions within the public display.
We caught up with Portuguese street artist Bordalo II, who is not new to promoting social problems and has hit the street art scene with a series of ‘Big trash animals’, huge animals constructed with the very wastage that kills their environment. These are massive murals with a mammoth message. Here we chat with Bordalo II about his other series of murals, which he calls provocative street art, promoting current social and political issues.
Bordalo II – Invisible Man Acrossing Borders
GraffitiStreet
What are your thoughts behind your provocative street art walls?
Bordalo II
It’s a way to express ideas and touch important points in public space so you can communicate with the society.
Bordalo II – Lisbon´s Keen Eye
GraffitiStreet
You began with graffiti which can be described as an act of transgression and leaving your mark. Has the art of graffiti transferred over to your provocative art series?
Bordalo II
Not necessary, graffiti it’s another world, but probably graffiti it’s a school where you lose your “fears” to work illegal and to learn how to make quick paintings in hot spots.
Bordalo II – “Dead Angle”
GraffitiStreet
What do you see as the role of the street artist in society?
Bordalo II
Even if street art is free, and everybody can do whatever they want, I think that it should keep the critic spirit.
Bordalo II – Break in case of privacy invasion
GraffitiStreet
What do you wish to achieve through your public messages?
Bordalo II
It’s a kind of anti-media, where an independent work pretends to tell the truth without interests.
Bordalo II – FB, exposed privacy
GraffitiStreet
Does society think for its-self?
Bordalo II
In my opinion, not at all, because there are too many agents influencing our thoughts, feelings, etc. It’s a business world where the media, advertising, political campaigns looks works for objectives, so to let the people think by themselves would be dangerous and could boycott most of the interests behind the curtains.
Bordalo II – indications for sheep
GraffitiStreet
Do you see yourself as educating the public, informing them and raising consciousness?
Bordalo II
Well I’m not a teacher, or a God or whatever, but I want to contribute with something true and genuine, to give an option for those who want to see what’s hidden.
Bordalo II – P.R.O.P.A.G.A.N.D.A.
GraffitiStreet
Your mural raises awareness for the Angola youth activists and attracts attention to their illegal detention ...is it crucial for you to be able to humanize and raise awareness about people who are caught up in violent context?
Bordalo II
Sure yes, and violence is not only physical, it’s also psychological. Its a shame that “West countries” keep relationships with fake democracies just for interests. Angola it’s a dictatorship. It’s really sad that you can be in jail for thinking different.
Bordalo II Free Political Prisoners, Free Angola
GraffitiStreet
Do you feel that all artists have a responsibility to raise issues that will facilitate change?
Bordalo II
If artists will not do, who will?
It is cowardly to live in the shadows and pretend nothing is happening, making the money and smiling to the world as an useless vegetal.
Bordalo II – A deep and dirty hole under the Euro
GraffitiStreet
Tell me about some of your influences, artistic and others...
Bordalo II
Dran, Farewell, Vik Muniz, Banksy, Spy, Pawel Kuczynski, Mais Menos, and many more. I’m interested by strong messages translated in black humour, jokes, puns, and other efficient ways that will make you stop and think.
Banksy in Gaza
GraffitiStreet
The 'Behind the shiny stars' UE15 mural is politically-charged and especially powerful. Do you believe street art should provoke questions about authority, power, and representation?
Bordalo II
I hope so, it’s anti-propaganda.
Bordalo II – Behind the shiny stars. UE15
“Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice” International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Bordalo II communicates his views and opinions through his provocative art pieces. They are a clever way to make the public stop and think… perhaps differently.
Wake up people and stop counting the sheep!
Photos courtesy of Bordalo II.
