This is a photo I recently took in Tijuana, Mexico. The mural on the left side depicts an authoritarian governmental figure that exploits the general public despite the public’s objection. Murals like the ones depicted and even those that do not communicate political messages are often painted over with grey paint by city workers, outraging artists and sometimes, community members. The initiative to paint over street art may have stemmed from state officials’ attempt to cover gang-related (or what appears to be gang-related) activity. Should artists be permitted to express themselves, whether politically or in other manners in public spaces? Where do we collectively draw the line between art (freedom and expression) and crime that needs to be censored?
