Buzz
This is one of the rare alleys that locals here love and agree to let Graffiti seep into their lives. For the youth, besides loving it, they also respect this alley in a very special way.
Graffiti, originally a street art style originating from Western countries, has become increasingly familiar and widespread in Vietnam, as it seems to appear everywhere... However, Graffiti still has many limitations, the most important of which is the location for Graffiti artists to be allowed to showcase their talents. With the mindset of 'where there's a will, there's a way', many are compelled to search everywhere for spacious places to paint, sometimes abandoned houses, or structures about to be demolished,... But such places are not always available to meet the needs of wanting to paint and be painted by a large number of young Graffiti enthusiasts in Saigon.
Despite the increasing number of clubs, groups, and competitions being created to provide opportunities for individuals to showcase their talents and mingle, they are just occasional playgrounds that are organized once in a while. So where can young people practice and express themselves regularly without compromising aesthetics? That's the real issue!
An alley intertwining life with Graffiti
Although it's uncertain if many understand this common and quite challenging issue about the Graffiti playground or not. But over the years, the residents around alley 15B, located on Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, have been very accommodating to allow Graffiti enthusiasts to express themselves. Currently, dozens of households around here still live, operate, and enjoy activities surrounding this Graffiti art.
Stretching along the alley for more than 110m, the entire wall here is continuously covered with various Graffiti paintings, which overall look extremely beautiful and captivating. According to some Graffiti enthusiasts in Saigon, nearly 3 years ago, this alley looked quite dull, especially with this old, moss-covered wall everywhere. Suddenly one day, the wall became vibrant again with a series of Graffiti artworks covering it.
After investigating, we spoke with Mr. Quyet - the person involved in managing neighborhood 4, who was the first to agree to let young people participate in painting Graffiti on this wall. He shared: 'Over 2 years ago, my granddaughter introduced a group of friends here with the idea of painting on the wall to beautify and enhance the aesthetics of the alley. Of course, at first, I disagreed because I didn't know anything about this type of painting by these young people. But after being persuaded many times, I asked everyone to submit a design sketch for me to review.'
Thanks to Mr. Quyet's bold consent, since the wall has been covered with many Graffiti paintings, this alley has become brighter, more beautiful, and eye-catching. Since then, many foreigners, photography enthusiasts, have heard rumors and flocked here to create art. Even many film crews, singers,... also come here because of this Graffiti-covered wall.
Graffiti is a deeply artistic creation for young people, but for the older generation, it's entirely different, so according to Mr. Quyet, in the early days, some residents around here were not very satisfied with this wall. 'Before, I thought these paintings were too flashy, didn't make any sense. But living with it for a while, looking at it every day, I gradually found it beautiful. At least it covered up the ugly mossy wall before' - Ms. Hien, a resident of this alley shared.
'Nowadays, all the residents in the area don't have any objections, sometimes when they see the kids coming here to paint, everyone gathers here to watch them create art' - Mr. Quyet said. Over the years, this Graffiti wall is now considered a special feature, characteristic of alley 15B, which everyone remembers whenever it's mentioned.
Drawing with regulations
Mr. Quyet and the residents in the neighborhood truly support the young people coming here to create art on the wall, “as long as you comply with the following regulations” set by the neighborhood leader: “Before wanting to paint, you need to ask for permission clearly, not to use this place to paint indecently, make it dirty. Absolutely no drawing or incorporating sensitive political elements.”
Because the neighborhood leader and all the people here really like and are accustomed to these paintings existing in their lives. So everyone is very willing to support, if any of you want to find a place to create Graffiti.
It can be said that it's really difficult to find a place where the majority of people, even the elderly, love and support young people to create Graffiti paintings. So for many of you who come here, besides loving it, you also greatly respect this alley.
One shared: “If there's no place to draw here, we can still find many other places. But the issue here is how to find a place right in the city center, a long enough, wide enough, and quiet wall for young people passionate about Graffiti to create. Most importantly, the surrounding residents, the elderly also strongly support, they view and respect the paintings, to feel that what we draw is useful, that's what matters. But if someone makes the locals unhappy, then the ban on drawing will happen sooner or later, then genuine Graffiti enthusiasts will lose such a wonderful place”.
Because of this, it has somewhat created a very beautiful, very polite cultural aspect in the community of street art enthusiasts in general and Graffiti in particular. You have a high awareness, have a beautiful point to create, and it's also a way for Graffiti to become closer to Vietnamese people.
Photography by Andy Tran
Source: Channel 14
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourMay 26, 2014
