In a city of over 20 million, I was bound to come across some street art. It surprised me that the Chinese word for graffiti is tuya (涂鸦), a word used to describe “scribble”. Traditionally, graffiti is viewed as criminal art or vandalism in China. If caught painting in non-designated areas, artists will be fined, arrested, forced to paint over their work, or possibly held in jail for a few days.
In an attempt to reverse the negative connotations of graffiti, some artists refer to themselves as aerosol artists. Also to development of graffiti in China all the materials must become popular and cheap for everyone as spray paint is a rare commodity in Shanghai.
At the moment the government allows street artists to only paint in certain designated places and are often supervised while doing so.
Despite the ambiguity of the law against graffiti the phenomenon of graffiti is on the rise. I look forward to seeing what other pieces I can find in this bustling city.
Janaline's world journey 
These pieces of art are wonderful! I always find it very interesting to combine travelling with graffiti hunting as it provides a very special insight into the particular culture I find myself in. Thank you for sharing these gems and for giving us background information on China’s perspective on this topic. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I agree, street art gives a different insight into the culture of a place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are so cool😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that I am slowly seeing more and more street art pieces around the city.
LikeLike
Great Janaline, I am glad for you ☺️💪
LikeLike
I love street art – really enjoyed this post ..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Marie. On the hunt for some more street art in Shanghai.
LikeLike
Gorgeous wall art. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are slowly popping up all over the city….
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is some amazing street art, especially the first picture of a boy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am slowly finding some more beautiful street art pieces here in Shanghai.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love seeing street art, interesting to discover it’s lacking in China and also has to be supervised. Some of those pieces are great though. I particularly love the first photo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first piece is also my favourite so far here in Shanghai. But I am planning on hunting down some more places with street art here in Shanghai.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So cool! I love street art!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is one of my favourite things to see when I explore a city.
LikeLike
Street art is so cool and especially cool to see how different countries express themselves!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You learn so much about a country and its people through their art. Street art is such a raw form of expression.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoyed your post; thanks for background on graffiti in SH; interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Sue! Hope you have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will soon go out of the hunt for some more!
LikeLike
An interesting post with some beautiful artwork
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Colline!! I have heard of some other places in Shanghai where I can find some more street art so will hopefully be visiting those places soon! Hope you have a fabulous week!
LikeLiked by 1 person