Best Street Art: Let them eat Futbol

Graffiti by: Paulo Ito
Photograph by: Nelson Almeida

I believe that it is more important to create influential and significant rather than pretty and superficial art. Controversy is the key to understanding. To be able to fully understand something, it is essential to appreciate it from both perspectives, because there are two sides to every story. This is why, Rio de Janeiro's anti-World Cup street art campaign is my favorite. People get so consumed in topics such as futbol, that forget the aspects that actually matter; poverty. Paulo Ito is a street artist who launched a campaign in Brazil during the world cup. His objective was to present a different side to the World Cup than the one people are used to. He did sarcastic and ironic graffitis on the streets. With this initiative,Paulo Ito was able to create awareness and call people's attention throughout the World Cup. This is a clear example of how powerful art really is, and how it awakens people to the realities they are trying to hide. For me, this is the best recent street art work because it transmits a significant, powerful and influential message through the talented and creative hand of a street artist.

-Alegría Sanchis

Graffiti by: Unknown
Photograph by: Nacho Doce