Chilean Street Art Movement Emerges from Social Uprising Ahead of Constitutional Referendum
Since October 2019, the streets of Chile have transformed into dynamic showcases of protest art, sparked by a student uprising against increased metro fares that escalated into widespread demonstrations addressing inequality. Artists such as Caiozzama and Pedro Isaac (Ordeph) focus on themes like feminist issues, police brutality, and human rights abuses. Lolo Gongora's artwork prominently features women adorned with green scarves, a symbol of the pro-abortion movement. The performance 'Un Violador en tu Camino' by Las Tesis gained immense popularity following its November 2019 premiere. A museum curated by Marcel Sola, located near Plaza de la Dignidad in Santiago, highlights this artistic expression. Over 460 individuals have suffered blindness due to police violence, which is reflected in various artworks. A significant referendum to revise Chile's constitution is scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2020.
Key facts
- Chile's social uprising began in October 2019 sparked by metro fare increases
- A constitutional referendum will be held on Sunday 25 October 2020
- Over 460 people have been blinded by police weapons during protests
- Feminist performance piece 'Un Violador en tu Camino' went viral globally in November 2019
- A museum dedicated to estallido social artwork has opened near Plaza de la Dignidad in Santiago
- Artist Lolo Gongora creates feminist designs featuring green scarves symbolizing pro-abortion movement
- Street artist Caiozzama uses paste-up technique focusing on Chilean injustice and human rights
- El Negro Matapacos, a black dog with red bandana, became resistance symbol during 2011 student protests
Entities
Artists
- Pedro Isaac
- Ordeph
- Lolo Gongora
- Caiozzama
- Violeta Parra
- Marcel Sola
Institutions
- Louvre
- Las Tesis
- Carabineros
Locations
- Chile
- Santiago
- Plaza de la Dignidad
- Paris
- France
- India
- UK