2008-02-08 - Pretty As A Picture - Written by Heidi Wardman
Graffitti Artists have decorated Torrevieja's vandalised walls with fabulous murals
Torrevieja residents are frequently heard to comment on the "Writing on the Wall" which is casting a shadow over their lives and lowering the status of the area. In this case, the phrase is not posed as an indication of some foregone conclusion for the future of the city, but real walls, and real writing. Grafitti has been a problem in Torrevieja for many years, although its presence in both public and private areas throughout the city has increased in recent years. It seems that nowhere is sacred, as even municipal buildings such as the 'Oficina Municipal de Informacion Atencion Consumidor' (OMIC) and Red Cross stations on the beaches, have fallen victim to the unsightly etchings.
It is also found on post boxes, road signs, street names, and just about anywhere there is space to spray paint a preferred alias or symbol. The Round Town News has heard numerous complaints about the situation from people asking why nothing is done to prevent it, and indeed, what action is taken against those who are caught.
Unfortunately, the answer is that, as the majority of perpetrators are minors, there is very little that can be done. They also seem to have the deed timed to perfection, so can successfully cover an expanse of wall without being seen, and in broad daylight! Furthermore, it seems to be perceived as a game of causing optimum discomfort and inconvenience to property owners, whereby the infuriating vandals seem to wait until the wall is repainted before they strike again.
Sadly, the prevalence of graffiti is having a detrimental affect on the housing market throughout the city. As Torrevieja's status is gradually reduced, so too are house prices and indeed the level of interest from prospective buyers. Therefore, Torrevieja Local Council has taken the only feasible approach of "if you can't beat them join them." While graffiti is still present, it has now adopted a more artistic, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Areas which were formally blighted by graffiti have been targeted by a group of talented artists, who specialise in aerosol murals.
The concept was made popular in May 2005, when Torrevieja became the national venue for the annual 'Write4Gold' Iberican qualifying competitions, which welcomed contestants from across the country and neighbouring islands.
Write4Gold is a massive project which is involved in the organisation of grafitti competitions, on a global scale. Champions of every respective country compete on a national level, before being invited to compete in European and finally International championships. Since then, the Town Hall has continued to hold its own contests, inviting artists throughout the area to compete on a local level. These contests have allowed the artists to demonstrate their talents under regulated conditions in a variety of designated locations. Such is the popularity and success of this project, that the groups have since been granted permission to transform other urban eyesores into vibrant masterpieces. The length of wall that runs between 'Playa Acequion' and the city centre now features an array of innovative designs, which are a vast improvement on the obscenities which they mask.
Meanwhile, the perimeter wall of 'Mi-sol' Caravan Park has been brought to life with a creative 'Alice in Wonderland' theme. The mural features all of our favourite characters from the novel, including the Mad Hatter, March Hare and Queen of Hearts. Residents seem generally pleased with the new installation, which they feel adds spirit to the site. One resident announced, "The interior of the caravan park has always been clean and well maintained. However, grafitti on the surrounding wall gave visitors the wrong impression of our home."
The aerosol masterpieces are a sight to behold and evidence of the raw talent that is alive in Torrevieja. It is hoped that the vandals will respect the work of the real grafitti artists, and learn how to refine their obsession with a spray can.
