For mercenary painters like Nene, graffiti is both a way to make a living and a rite of democracy. Asked whether it is an artistic ritual, too, he shrugs his broad shoulders and asks, “What do I know?” He takes pride in the style he has developed over the years, but sees his murals whitewashed and painted over with each new election or crisis. “We are all paid professionals. No one will work or paint for free,” he says. Then he glances at a painting on a nearby garage door, pauses and, smiling, reconsiders. “It is a right. I have no other way to express myself.”
Sax, originally from Toronto, has written about Argentina for Maclean's, Canadian Business, and the New Republic. He lives in Rio de Janeiro.
Canada & its place in the world. Published by
the non-profit charitable
Walrus Foundation
June 2012
The Walrus HOOPP Pension Debate
Be It Resolved That Canadians Are Incapable
of Saving for Their Retirement Needs Alone
12 pm, Wednesday, May 30 at
Hart House Debate Room, Toronto
The Walrus Glenbow Debate
Calgary’s Cowboy Culture:
Living Legacy or Just History?
6:30 pm, Thursday, June 7 at
Epcor Centre: Max Bell Theatre, Calgary
