Walls that speak

urban graffiti and alternative narratives in Rome

Abstract

Rome, universally celebrated for its ancient ruins and classical grandeur, is also home to a vibrant and evolving street art scene that redefines the city’s relationship with its past. From Blu’s politically charged murals at Porto Fluviale and Casal de’ Pazzi to Lucamaleonte’s historical tributes in Quadraro and San Lorenzo, street art becomes a means of reclaiming urban space and collective memory. Projects and institutional initiatives demonstrate how public art can foster social dialogue and environmental awareness, even as it moves from rebellion to recognition. Yet this transition raises questions about authenticity, preservation, and the role of institutions in shaping urban creativity. Works like William Kentridge’s Triumphs and Laments epitomize the poetic tension between permanence and decay, using time itself as a medium. Together, these interventions transform Rome into an open-air museum where ancient stones and painted walls coexist, challenging the city to see itself not only as a relic of history but as a living, breathing canvas of contemporary expression.