Graffiti in Granada.
Is it a spray too far?

There is graffiti in Granada.

When we moved here in 2001 almost all of the streets and walls were clean of this "art form". And even though, sometimes, the paint-work seems quite clever and effectively composed, I still don't like it because of the attitude of many of the "artists".

But what can be done about it? After all, it is a problem all over the western world...

Well, I'm glad to say, the "taggers" are being tagged. Something is being done about graffiti in Granada. And these are the four steps that are being taken to deal with the problem:-

Graffiti Granada

First Step:- The Law
A law was passed recently which brought a maximum fine of 3,000 euros against anyone found guilty of spoiling vehicles, parks and gardens and listed buildings with this "graffiti art". And if any "under-aged" people are found guilty of defacing buildings and property, then his or her parents/ guardians can be held responsible for paying the fine. Now, all we need is that the fines are imposed.


Second Step:- Prevention
1. Special products are being used to remove graffiti paint. While it cleans, it simultaneously leaves a surface coating which then prevents paint adhering to it. This means that any subsequent vandalism can be easily cleaned off. The more this new "cleaning" paint is used, the less new graffiti art in Granada will be seen.

2. A series of walled terraces have been built into a wall which I pass on my way into Granada on the Autovia. Within weeks of it being finished someone had been there with the spray paint and marked it with their signature and a couple of illustrations.

However, in just a short time the graffiti had been removed and the terraces planted with prickly pears. These plants quickly formed a barrier prickly enough to deter even the most determined person from adventuring there again.


Third Step:- Removal
Graffiti removal comapanies are joining the fight to keep the streets clean. Only last week, a company called "Quitar Graffiti Granada" (Remove graffiti from Granada) spent the morning cleaning graffiti - at its own expense - from the Moorish well of Zenete and surrounding area in the Albaicin. Granted, one of the reasons they did this was to (apparently) demonstrate how their products do not use abrasives, but are ecologically efficient. But the well did get cleaned at the same time.

Fourth Step:- Education
There have been several projects in Granada designed to educate and redirect the efforts of taggers away from damaging buildings and property.

One such project was a "first" for Spain when an underground car park in Granada was "decorated" by individual graffiti artists, four of which are called 'Stooke', 'Diam', 'Sendra' and 'Acts'. The car park has 550 spaces of which 400 are for residents. The last I heard was that the first floor had been attractively painted with graffiti to give the impression of wild landscapes mingling with fantastic characters such as nymphs. The project leaders are seeking feedback from the residents before continuing with the painting of the other three floors.

Whatever the residents think, this is just one project of several where attempts are being made to combat the graffiti problem. I believe that anything that can be done to re-educate and develop social responsibility is another step in the right direction.

If you are interested, a full explanation of all things graffiti can be found on Getting Educated about Graffiti.

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