Street Art In Havana.
A fun themed street art mural in Old Havana livens up an otherwise dreary, grey, crumbling old building.
“Some people become cops because they want to make the world a better place. Some people become vandals because they want to make the world a better looking place.” Banksy
I’ve spent the better part of many holidays getting to know a city by walking around and admiring historic architecture found in castles and cathedrals or resting in a park filled with trees and fountains. I never once thought about becoming more intimate with the culture of a city by observing it through street art and graffiti. Whether it be a simple illustration that makes you smile, a political statement that challenges your beliefs or a work of art so amazing it takes your breath away, taking in street art is now a must for me whenever I travel.
I took this photo while I was in Havana about a year as I whizzed by on a carriage ride through the city. I love the fun theme of the art and thought it an interesting contrast to the crumbling dilapidated building in the background.
* This post was submitted to the Budget Travelers Sandbox weekly Travel Photo Thursday series where bloggers are provided an opportunity to showcase their travel photos.
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Cheryl Howard
A Canadian who quit her job, sold everything she owned and left behind a great life all to move to Berlin for 18 months. Now based at home again in Toronto, Cheryl continues her career as a freelance writer specializing in European travel and expat life. She's now on a mission to slowly re-discover her home and native land through a series of weekend trips.
25 Responses to Street Art In Havana.
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Cheryl Howard.
A Canadian who quit her job, sold everything she owned and left behind a great life all to move to Berlin for 18 months. Now based at home again in Toronto, Cheryl continues her career as a freelance writer specializing in European travel and expat life. She's now on a mission to slowly re-discover her home and native land through a series of weekend trips.
Filled with wanderlust, her nomadic heart and soul has taken her to over 25 countries throughout North and South America, the Caribbean and Europe. Unable to sit still for long, she's always planning her next trip.
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I’m glad graffiti is becoming more accepted – I’m not a fan of tagging at all but some of the gorgeous mural art that goes up, it’s criminal to destroy it. Such a democratizing form of artwork as well.
Interesting graffiti
Graffiti can be very interesting and entertaining. There are quite a few very good ones in our streets in Montmartre in Paris too. But the City Hall officials do not agree and have them painted over a few days after they’ve seen the light of day. Pity, really.
@Andrea – It is very democratizing! I’ve come to love it in all shapes and forms.
@Michael – Agree. What a pity they get painted over! I’d be there with my camera all the time if I lived in Paris.
There’s lots of great graffiti everywhere you go it seems and I’m always drawn to it. That said, I do wish that lots of today’s taggers would put just a little more thought into where the fine line lies between art/expression and vandalism.
I like the Banksy quote. Street art adds a certain vibrancy to a city, I think.
@Bob – Me too. My Instagram feed is filled with snapshot after snapshot of street art and graffitt. Agree on your last point as well. There is only so much I want to see of male genatalia!
@Sophie – I love Banksy in general! Thought it gave a good lead in.
What an interesting quote. I think some nice graffiti really can make a place better looking; I also think it can make things look trashy in some areas though. Always depends on how and where it’s done.
Old and new side by side. Love it!
@Sabrina – Agree!
@InsideJourneys – I love it too. I hope someday to return to Havana and explore more street art! This is sadly my only photo of street art from the city.
I love the quote too – and such a great photo. There is some real talent around. The only place that immediately comes to mind is Seville – with loads of graffiti – all beautifully done.
“Street art” lends itself to great photos.
@Lei – Thanks! Hmmm, I would love to check out Seville. It’s on my long list of places to visit.
Very cool mural, hopefully I can see Cuba for myself sometime in the near future.
@Frank – If you need some tips, please let me know! I love Havana.
What a great quote! It’s such an interesting mural. I’m always drawn to street art and some places have made use of them well. Brussels has great wall murals. How lucky for you to visit Havana.
@Mary – I have not been to Brussels yet .. well, only the airport. Will definitely have to check it out sometime too!
I agree–checking out the street art and getting a feel for a city that way is a must for me, too. I like that you got this great shot while passing by. I am constantly trying to snap photos of street art in Sao Paulo from the car. Not an easy task!
@Jenna – I’m so jealous. Love to be in San Paulo right now. One day I plan to visit this beautiful city!
Ooh I love that Banksy quote.
@Ayngelina – Me too! I really didn’t know much about him until I watched Exit Through the Giftshop last summer here in Berlin. He made me really come to appreciate street art and graffiti …
This is really the only street art or mural shot you have from Havana? If so, you absolutely must return.
@Bob – Yes!
For sure, I will return to Havana someday soon.
Catching up on your blog… Love the posts about street art! Keep up those rad photos!
@Tristan – Thanks! I’ll be publishing another one soon about street art in Amsterdam and hopefully soon after ones on street art in Berlin, Budapest and Gdansk.