“Some people become cops because they want to make the world a better place. Some people become vandals because they want to make the world a better looking place.”
One afternoon spent in a friend office in Sao Paulo, I was searching on the map a place where I could take a few pictures on the stung local street art among the most powerful in the world. While bringing two Guaranas on a vintage wooden tray he smiles and tells me ‘ Little boss, don’t search anymore, what you want to see is the Beco do Batman ( Batman Alley) , fetch you camera and Let’s go I will take you on my truck.”
‘Little angel’ (my friend’s nick name) and I have traveled the world for my store in Sao Paulo many years ago, he quite knows what I am thinking just by the expression on my face. Beco do Batman, is a small alley of vibrant, lurid expression in brash colors and stark angles beating any any graphic novel.
Every inch of this street art landmark is covered with graffiti of the finest order. Much of it is produced by artists associated with São Paulo’s urban intervention schemes, but the Beco do Batman also attracts sprayers and stencilers from all over the world. With its layers upon layers of paint, Beco do Batman is a constantly changing wonder: there’s a new surprise every day.
My camera and I are drunk by the intensity of this live art show while Little Angels makes sure I am safe by following me with his truck in this spectacular and hidden urban gallery. At the end a charming oldie’s shop one of many from the fashionable neighborhood of Villa Maddalena. More on Sao Paulo to come soon.
