Street Art and Activism in the Greater Caribbean: Impossible States, Virtual Publics

This book explores the role of street art in diagnosing the "impossible state" of the arrested present and imagining liberated futures in three Antillean capital cities. It includes a photo documentary archive of street art by key muralists and offers art historical and geopolitical analyses of its political, economic, and environmental engagements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the vibrant world of street art in the capital cities of Cuba, Haiti, and Puerto Rico, offering a profound exploration of its multifaceted significance. Through a comparative lens, Jana Evans Braziel conducts a comprehensive study that examines the interplay between art, politics, history, urban street cultures, engaged citizenship, and social transformations in these three Antillean capitals. The result is a rich tapestry of insights that shed light on the complex dynamics shaping these cities and their inhabitants.

The book begins by setting the stage for its exploration by introducing the concept of the "impossible state" that characterizes these capital cities. These cities, whether colonized, occupied, or under dictatorship, exist in a state of limbo, grappling with the challenges and complexities of their past and present. However, amidst this seemingly hopeless situation, street artists emerge as catalysts for change, using their art to diagnose the "impossible state" and simultaneously imagine liberated futures and fully sovereign states.

In order to facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of street art in these cities, Braziel conducts a comparative study that encompasses a wide range of factors. She delves into the art historical and geopolitical contexts of these cities, highlighting the political, economic, and environmental engagements that street art embodies. By examining the works of key muralists such as Yulier Rodriguez Pérez, Jerry Rosembert Moïse, and Colectivo Moriviví, Braziel showcases the diverse styles, techniques, and messages conveyed through street art.

The book is organized into several chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of street art in each city. The first chapter provides an overview of the historical and political landscapes of Havana, Cuba, and how they have shaped the artistic expressions of street artists. The second chapter explores the vibrant street culture of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and the role that street art plays in expressing the resilience and creativity of the Haitian people. The third chapter focuses on San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the ways in which street art has become a powerful tool for social activism and community engagement.

Throughout the book, Braziel employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from art history, politics, geography, and cultural studies. She weaves together a rich narrative that connects the dots between the artistic expressions of street artists, the political struggles of their communities, and the broader social and economic contexts in which they operate. The book also includes a comprehensive photo documentary archive that showcases the stunning works of street art, murals, and installations by these muralists.

The significance of this book extends far beyond the realm of art history. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of power, resistance, and social change that characterize these capital cities. By examining the role of street art in diagnosing the "impossible state" and imagining liberated futures, the book challenges traditional narratives and provides a fresh perspective on the potential for transformation and progress in the face of adversity.

Scholars working in art history, Caribbean studies, Latin American studies, and urban studies will find this book to be an invaluable resource. It offers a comprehensive analysis of street art as a cultural phenomenon, shedding light on its historical roots.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032247724