STREET ART #240 – Amazing art in Comuna 13, Medellin (Colombia)

Comuna 13 is one of at least 16 comuna in Medellin, Colombia. This neighborhood in Medellin was one of the most dangerous places only a few decades ago. Today comuna 13 has become a symbol of how a neighborhood can transform completely from being a violent place, controlled by drug cartels, to a place where creativity is dominating. Amazing street art makes this Comuna 13 an open-air gallery worth spending time. Medellin is located in a narrow valley, so many communities are located on the hills. Comuna 13 is one of those neighborhoods clinging to the mountainside. This means that walking here can be challingen.

I did a three hour walking tour with a guide. Doing that helped me to better understand the history of the place and the social and political themes seen in the street art. Dreams and resilience. Hope for the future. Creativity that does amaze.

Beautiful murals, but unfortunatly most of them are impossible to take photos of because the walkway is too narrow. The artis behind last one with the monkey is FateOne96

The streets are narrow and steep. But the good thing is all the small bars and cafes where it is possible to take a rest. Absolute recomended. The view of Medellin is awesome!

From the guide we learned about "Operation Orion". On October 16th 2002 the president at that time Álvaro Uribe, launched the operation in Comuna 13. The purpose was to finish the violence. This operation lasted two days and involved weapons, tanks and helicopters. In the aftermath a lot of the locals were missing. It it not known excactly how many were killed during these two days.