Differentiating graffiti in Macao: activity types, multimodality and institutional appropriation

Abstract

Multimodal graffiti are constrained by the environment in which they are written and by the activities in which graffiti writing takes place. This article examines graffiti collected in Graffiti Park and Nam Van Lake Underground in Macao. The graffiti in the two sites display systematic differences in topics, objectives, subjects, affordance, texture and framing, which are attributed to varied activity types and the multimodality/materiality of public space. Specifically, those in Graffiti Park – a small and secluded area – are products of one-off activities attended by professional writers, ordinary citizens and tourists. Nam Van Lakeside has a more visible space, and yet the graffiti there – largely murals painted by a few commissioned writers – display limited topics/themes under institutional appropriation. The materiality of the wall space also contributes to the variations in styles and contents of graffiti in the two sites.

Evoking Nostalgia: Graffiti as Medium in Urban Space

“…Local authorities in Macau have implemented certain strategies to regulate and control the distribution of graffiti, aligning it with their broader cultural policies. A prime example of this can be seen in the implementation of designated graffiti walls, such as at Graffiti Park 14 (Zhang, 2017; Zhang & Chan, 2022), which provide a controlled platform for artists to freely express their creative abilities and showcase their talent. This approach strikes a balance between artistic freedom and the need to maintain public order and protect historical sites.…”

“…The Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has invested in various cultural projects, including public art initiatives, to promote and preserve its cultural identity. One such initiative is the inclusion of graffiti art in public spaces (Zhang & Chan, 2022). Policymakers in Macau recognize the power of graffiti as a form of public art to engage and connect with residents and visitors, allowing them to explore and experience Macau’s unique cultural heritage in a contemporary way.…”

“… 14. In their studies, researchers Zhang and Zhang and Chan mention the existence of a graffiti site known as ‘Graffiti Park’. According to Zhang and Chan (2022), this particular location was repurposed by the government in 2016 and is now used as a parking lot (p. 563). …”