“Moving Forward” is the theme of Rome’s 2014 Outdoor Urban Art Festival “OUTDOOR”. This international festival, located in an abandoned, broken down warehouse of San Lorenzo, features 15 street artists from 7 countries around the world, including Italy.
Italy: JBROCK, Davide Dormino, Galo, Laurina Paperina, TNEC, Hoek (Rome), Ike (Rome), Brus (Rome)
South Africa: Faith47, Jack Fox
Japan: Lady Aiko
France: Thomas Canto
USA: Buff Monster
Greece: Blaqk
Norway: DOT DOT DOT
Visiting an art festival or checking out local street art in general is a great way for travelers to learn about the culture, atmosphere, values and attitude of their host city. Street art often reflects the current economical and political climate, expresses opinions on highly debated social issues of the moment or controversial societal values, or portrays emotion usually directly relevant to the local surroundings and situation. For a one time fee of 5 euros visitors can return to view these unique and intriguing pieces as many times as they’d like every weekend through that of November 22nd.
All of the pieces were created before the start of the festival in the end of October. Since it’s an international festival and the artists all came from different places, cultures and backgrounds, a walk through the warehouse is a walk through varying styles, statements, colors, contradictions and emotions.
Street art is not limited to graffiti, some artists went a 3D route and created pop out pieces or used special lighting to design a more stand out and tangible appearance.
Some used text to contribute to their desired impact of the piece. With art there are no rules.
All photos via Sarah Freeman
It’s safe to say, even though the festival isn’t even half way over yet, that OUTDOOR is a success for it’s 5th year in a row, as there has been an entry line out the door every weekend since the opening day, and many of the works are making reappearances by fans on social media.
Where have you found your favorite street art?
