If you walk around the city and not only notice the street art – graffiti or neo-frescoes – but also stop to look at it more closely, or try to find an encrypted message or idea, then this is the route for you.
When we tell others about Vilnius or just think about it ourselves, it’s probably unlikely that we call it the Mecca of street art. But, let’s face it, that doesn’t mean that the capital doesn’t have wonderful examples of street art.
Street art has features of rebellion, freedom, and romance. Born out of a resistance to the mundane or academic, street art is still considered one of the most fragile art forms because it often appears on abandoned buildings, fences, or underground pedestrian crossings – in other words, objects that can be demolished, repainted or vandalised at any time. Although they are only too aware of how short-lived their work can be, street artists don’t resist the temptation to leave their message. Until the first Vilnius Street Art Festival in 2013, such art appeared in marginal places in the city and was mostly limited to meaningful or meaningless graffiti (so-called tags). Now, street art has come out of the underground, settling in prominent places and occupying much larger areas. The number of works is growing; they are sometimes decorative, sometimes very meaningful, but always visible and encouraging passers-by not to pass by with their heads down but to smile, be surprised or be angry. In other words, street art encourages us to break out of our routine and be transported momentarily into another world.
As you browse and look closely at the objects along the route, you will not only have fun but also learn many interesting facts about Vilnius street art and its creators. Even pieces you have known for a long time will likely shine with new colours and meanings.
