"Our artists are toothless, and that's what makes them special": on street art in Samara
There's an opinion that street art doesn't exist here. But a journalist and street art researcher in Samara Jeanne Skokova I completely disagree with this - she assures me that street art in the city is more alive than ever.
"Most of the work is graffiti and public art, of which there is indeed a lot. This is due to the fact that Samara has hosted numerous art festivals, — explains Jeanne. - There are plenty of high-quality murals—interesting and conceptual, timed to coincide with holidays and events. There's a pool of artists who can create art on a regular basis."
According to Skokova, a feature of street art in Samara — his complete detachment from society. Street artists typically tackle sensitive social issues—politics, money, corruption, and things some find scary to even talk about. Meanwhile, Samara residents create works about themselves and their inner selves, which concern not the entire country, but the artist himself: "He's toothless, so to speak, and that's what makes him special.".
Most developed in Samara — commercial street art, works that are created within the official framework, by order and at festivals.
"For example, we hosted the Samara Ground street art festival. As part of it, a mural by Pokras Lampas appeared on the embankment,, - recalls Jeanne. - Artists from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities came. Russia has so many great artists, and I'm especially glad that they continue to come here, making our city special with their work."
In this case, most often on the walls in Samara You can see graffiti - the names of teams and the names of artists"Samara is stuck in 80s New York. Everyone loves letters! It's pure love! Almost 90% of our artists adore working with fonts." — laughs Skokova.
In recent years, local authorities have become more understanding of street art. Samara Tours are held along the beautiful walls, and lectures are given about local artists and the different types of street art. And the interest of the city's residents is only growing.
