I haven’t written one of these posts in ages, mainly because I was away from any city that values this type of creativity. Arriving in this little visited capital city, I have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of public art that surrounds me here. The amazing street art in Podgorica Montenegro is on the verge of blossoming into an incredible feature.
Street Art & Graffiti
I have always loved and admired street art and graffiti where ever I travel and document as much as I can. Some places welcome it, realizing its value and inherent ability to create a vivid atmosphere. Other places almost shun these art forms, erasing images as quickly as they appear.
Street art can transform a city. I have seen this myself. Take Tirana Albania for example. What was once a communist city, full of drab utilitarian structures has been re-created. Their mayor, an artist himself, recognized the potential of changing his city into one of colour, beauty and interest.
This is where I think Podgorica has the greatest potential. For not a huge amount of funding, this ‘boring’ city as so many visitors refer to it, could become a place of intrigue. And in fact, I think this is exactly what is quietly happening.
Large Pieces
The thing with these huge concrete utilitarian structures that fill the city, is their uncanny amount of unadorned space. They are a blank canvas! Give your artists and creative personalities a chance to shine, and they will.
As I have wandered through the older parts of Podgorica, and across the river into ‘New Podgorica’ I see the emergence of street art everywhere! Its incredible. These pieces are all fairly new, the colours vivid and bright, the subject matter reflective of both current events and historical times.
When I am walking through an apartment complex, seeing worn balconies, exposed air conditioners, aged and dated facades, its dreary. But then, turn a corner and behold the most extraordinary piece of artwork, it’s an incredible sight.
Graffiti
The graffiti in Podgorica is not as prolific as one might think. One of my favourite types that I look out for, is the large size bubble letters. The creative fonts that I have seen used across the globe are truly astounding. An area in Podgorica where I have found similar graffiti is under an overpass leading into the down town core.
While I don’t make a habit of venturing under bridges and into these areas for safety reasons, this one is unique. Here stands a centuries old Turkish bath house. Today that building is being used as a bookstore, bar and café. Decorating the entire space around this riverside area, is graffiti. And its amazing.
The other type of graffiti I see quite a bit is the most basic form of tagging. Black spray paint, single words or letters and names. Usually this is defiling other street art. It is what it is, a feature of graffiti that is often the least interesting.
Sports
One thing that absolutely dominates the street art scene here in Podgorica are the pieces that relate to the local football club. Called FK Buducnost Podgorica, this club was founded in 1925. They have survived their country through WWII, the Yugoslav years, the break up of that, and the formation of Montenegro as an independent country in 2006.
I can instinctively tell that this city is highly passionate about their football team. One cannot walk down a single road, anywhere in the city, and not see some type of graffiti or art that relates to the club.
Many of the largest pieces have images of famous players, both historical and current. Some of these are fantastically painted and very realistic. I cannot read the words and phrases that often accompany them, but can tell by the strength of the font that they are important and written with passion.
I had no idea before I arrived in Podgorica that I would see this much street art. My hope is that the city and municipalities embrace this, give it strength, encourage these artists. Their work is valuable, colourful, beautiful and raw. It needs to be shown and seen, giving Podgorica the burst of life it desperately needs.
