What covers the walls of Pafos
While walking on streets of Pafos, we can spot a huge amount of self-expressions on the walls. In Cyprus, the presence of graffiti has become a noticeable issue across the whole island. Public space is filled with a lot of graffiti symbols and as we understood based on explanation of the locals, a lot of them represent a certain political statement. The ongoing problem with these graffiti is the damage that they bring to buildings. It has a negative impact on the city’s aesthetics, that stays in contrast to the rich cultural heritage. However, it may also provide a reflection of topics that resonate in the local society.
In a contrast to these graffiti, Pafos stand very artistic murals, that bring more creative expressions into the public space. However, there was an affair, when the murals created by talented famous artists were destroyed. A lot of rage was brought into the society of Pafos, when the street art made by an Italian artist Millio was destroyed by painting over. Pafos city, however, decided to invite this artist again, to renew his previous creations.
The matter of graffiti, in Cyprus raises issues surrounding artistry and self expression alongside the preservation of cultural heritage sites and assets in the region. What could be a solution to the problem of illegal graffiti? We suggest creating a legal public spaces, that would allow people to create street art and would eliminate the general visual pollution in the city and would protect its buildings. That could help create a lively atmosphere for locals, tourists and artists.
