Santiago is a thriving city with a high concentration of people, by some estimates, one half (la mitad) of all people in Chile live within an hour of downtown. This mass of people means that as a large city (una ciudad grande), it also has to function in like manner, with loads of public transportation, public services (servicios públicos) and multiple options for goods. In the same manner, there are a wide range of people here as well, many from other parts of Chile, some from other countries in South America and of course, foreigners (extranjeros) like me from other points around the globe. Yet, Santiago has a vibe all its own, and its quintessential cool, much like that of San Francisco, CA or Vancouver, BC, belie a style that is both cutting edge and inherently hip.
This is never as evident as is seen in the art (el arte) all around town, which is expressed in many distinct ways including graphic arts, murals, music and film. You can’t help but be immersed in the art and impressed by it as well, as it is a truly all encompassing aspect of living (de la vida) in the city. When you take the bus anywhere in the city, often you will have the good fortune (la buena fortuna) to be entertained by musicians, who will sing songs, play instruments and take a goodwill offering from the passengers for their services. You can also hear poets, listen to comedians or be entertained by clowns in full make up. The point is that the art scene is truly seen, and it spills over directly into your lap, and demands you to participate (participar).
Another place you can see that art scene happening is on the streets (las calles), where there are countless murals (los murales) that dot the walls of buildings and line the roads. Many people might dismiss this form of art, simply calling it graffiti, but it is much more that that. It is an artful expression that integrates symbols of faith (de fe), of pain (de dolor), of suffering, of history and of creativity. I have taken the opportunity to photograph many different pieces of these murals all over town, and have shared it with my friends (mis amigos), as it is the kind of art that stops me in my tracks, magnifying the depth and breadth of the city experience, which seemingly explodes at every turn. There are also a number of incredible murals on the UMCE campus, done by students today and in the past, and they tell a story of struggle, of change (de cambio) and above all, of hope (de esperanza).
There are many other ways to see and experience art, on one option is to visit the many wonderful museums (los museos) through the city. In addition, there are public competitions for independent films, live theatre to see, concerts to hear and spoken word expressions as well. While I have been here in Santiago, I even had the opportunity to submit an entry for a contest called 100 Palabras (words), in which you had to write something that describes your own experience and perspective (su experiencia y perspectiva) of Santiago in 100 words or less. My entry, along with tens of thousands of other entries, I think I was in the 18,000s, was submitted for judging and possible publication. The organizers then choose the top 10 as winners (ganadores) and print posters with the words and names of the authors, which are then displayed in the subway, in the streets, in coffee shops, in bars and in restaurants. The top 100 entries are also placed in a small book (un librito), which is available at book stores, news stands and at times, free on the street.
Yes, the art scene in Santiago is unique and the perspectives communicated intense and memorable, and at least in my thoughts, this is something any visitor (alguna visitante) to Santiago can’t help but find impressive.
This is never as evident as is seen in the art (el arte) all around town, which is expressed in many distinct ways including graphic arts, murals, music and film. You can’t help but be immersed in the art and impressed by it as well, as it is a truly all encompassing aspect of living (de la vida) in the city. When you take the bus anywhere in the city, often you will have the good fortune (la buena fortuna) to be entertained by musicians, who will sing songs, play instruments and take a goodwill offering from the passengers for their services. You can also hear poets, listen to comedians or be entertained by clowns in full make up. The point is that the art scene is truly seen, and it spills over directly into your lap, and demands you to participate (participar).
Another place you can see that art scene happening is on the streets (las calles), where there are countless murals (los murales) that dot the walls of buildings and line the roads. Many people might dismiss this form of art, simply calling it graffiti, but it is much more that that. It is an artful expression that integrates symbols of faith (de fe), of pain (de dolor), of suffering, of history and of creativity. I have taken the opportunity to photograph many different pieces of these murals all over town, and have shared it with my friends (mis amigos), as it is the kind of art that stops me in my tracks, magnifying the depth and breadth of the city experience, which seemingly explodes at every turn. There are also a number of incredible murals on the UMCE campus, done by students today and in the past, and they tell a story of struggle, of change (de cambio) and above all, of hope (de esperanza).
There are many other ways to see and experience art, on one option is to visit the many wonderful museums (los museos) through the city. In addition, there are public competitions for independent films, live theatre to see, concerts to hear and spoken word expressions as well. While I have been here in Santiago, I even had the opportunity to submit an entry for a contest called 100 Palabras (words), in which you had to write something that describes your own experience and perspective (su experiencia y perspectiva) of Santiago in 100 words or less. My entry, along with tens of thousands of other entries, I think I was in the 18,000s, was submitted for judging and possible publication. The organizers then choose the top 10 as winners (ganadores) and print posters with the words and names of the authors, which are then displayed in the subway, in the streets, in coffee shops, in bars and in restaurants. The top 100 entries are also placed in a small book (un librito), which is available at book stores, news stands and at times, free on the street.
Yes, the art scene in Santiago is unique and the perspectives communicated intense and memorable, and at least in my thoughts, this is something any visitor (alguna visitante) to Santiago can’t help but find impressive.
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