Graffiti : pausing to think

The days and weeks following the revolution did not only express the average Tunisian's thirst for freedom of expression , but it also provided the space badly-needed for a different form art to flourish : the art of the streets, namely, graffiti.Different groups of artists sought in this newly-found freedom the perfect opportunity to share their attitude, thoughts and expectations through their art. Among these aspiring street artists, we find a group called ahl al kahf has been taking over the walls and the streets of the city for the past months. The members of this group identify themselves as ‘’a movement of young artists from Tunisia, anti-Globalization & anti-Orientalism , born in revolution .’’ I have been seeing their work all over the capital in different places dealing with themes like oppression, revolution or the relationship between state and power. what I love the most about these graffitis is how they alter your attitude to these walls and streets that seemed to be emptied of meaning. You are in a metro going to school early in the morning staring at the white walls , and then you see one of their tags reminding you of who you really are or you are going back from work and these graffiti cross your way bringing into question certain issues.

you can find more pictures on their facebook pagehttp://www.facebook.com/pages/%D8%A3%D9%87%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%87%D9%81-ahl-alkahf/115175015229496

Yesterday, I was walking in the streets of La médina de Tunis when I came across another set of graffiti and tags. I am not sure if it is by the same group or not. I couldn’t find any information about it online , but judging from the style I think it is by a different artist . It was a delight to the sight and the soul to see those drawings on the walls with references to moments of history we all contributed to its making . The marge of freedom is beyond any description when these pictures express you innermost feelings and hopes regarding your country.

Finally , a thought to the young soul who was killed during the riots of the second al kasba sit-in and all the martyrs : pausing amid chaos to think of those who left .