The visual arts in Puerto Rico have a rich history of social engagement as well as connections to graphic arts movements throughout Latin America and the globe. The island’s current dynamic urban art scene has garnered attention from numerous art critics, magazines and newspapers because of its quality and scope. From complex, wry graffiti to sophisticated murals on a range of themes, painted walls produced by local as well as international artists can be found throughout the cities and towns of the island. Some of these murals are the result of urban art festivals, such as Santurce es Ley.

These photographs begin to document this phenomenon, which is centered around a district of San Juan called Santurce but reaches every part of Puerto Rico including the island municipalities of Vieques and Culebra. The images aim to contextualize the artworks within their urban space and may serve as conduits to examine socioeconomic questions related to territoriality, commodification, urban renewal, gentrification and displacement.

Please click on "SHOW CAPTIONS" at the bottom of the menu on the left to see the names of the artists and crews who have created the art works. I have not been able to identify all the artists. Please contact me if you can help.