Date of Graduation
5-2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Anthropology (MA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Anthropology
Advisor/Mentor
Swedenburg, Ted R.
Committee Member
Marion, Jonathan S.
Second Committee Member
Erickson, Kirstin C.
Keywords
Anthropology; Art; Graffiti; Middle East
Abstract
Modern graffiti is an ever-present part of urban space. It has become globalized and has adapted to different environments and social contexts. Today in Beirut, Lebanon a phenomenal street art movement is infiltrating public space. This particular movement questions the common understandings that have constructed Western graffiti artists and graffiti culture for so long. A new group of street artists is working to make the art form more inclusive of Beirut's many communities by writing messages that speak to the whole of Lebanon. They are making their work known in the presence of law enforcement, different sects, and generations. How does an art form that has long been considered as matter out of place get transformed into an empowering feature of the city? What does this say about how societies differ in defining art and deviance? And furthermore, what does this street art movement accomplish in the complicated and dynamic environment of Beirut, Lebanon?
Citation
Holland, J. A. (2014). "Beirut Speaks": New Graffiti Sub-Cultures of Beirut, Lebanon. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/2269
