“Street art can very much give a very big impact on our culture in so many ways—whether it’s political, business, current situations or just simply just a strong message you want the public to see through your artwork” –Paolo Abellana

Photo Courtesy: Paolo Abellana (Facebook)

In the streets of Cebu, we get to pass by striking art on walls—from sidewalks, highway overpasses or exterior building walls. Street art is created in public places, especially in urban areas.

It is usually an expression of the artists’ messages and emotions about different issues, whether political or social. Street artists want different people to appreciate their work in order to get a reaction and feedback on the issues depicted. These varied art don’t stop at just being a mere painting, it evolves and continues to send a message.

Street art is creative and diverse. It continues to grow and develops interaction as you pass by different walls. These art of movement is for everyone to see, and we are welcome to appreciate expression and freedom.

Taking pride in spray paint and can skills, Paolo Abellana comes up with good content for the public to see. For him, promoting the graffiti scene helps in educating people that street art should be appreciated.

Spray paint that art. Photo Courtesy: Paolo Abellana

Paolo’s love for street art and graffiti during his high school days made him continue doing his passion until now. Even after coloring the city for 8 years now, it is still a struggle to keep the graffiti scene alive. It is still a struggle to have little support from the people especially from the government. Street artists like Paolo are still branding their own name and art.

Despite struggling for public acceptance, one thing that drives Paolo to do street art is the adrenaline he gets putting his artworks on the streets. He gets that inspiration where people can pass by and witness a masterpiece every day. The never-ending learning process and different styles to master in improving the art keeps him going.

For Paolo, street art is more than just artwork you see in the streets. There is more culture and history behind every striking image. It has its own art scene and that makes it different from any other forms of art out there.

Graffiti art in Escario, St. by Paolo Abellana

He looks up to street artists from Seventh Letter Crew, Banksy and Stompdown Killaz, considering that they brought street art to a whole new level—whether the street art is for business or movement of the scene. As a street artist himself, his current activity is educating young minds about street art such as graffiti lifestyle.

Bringing art to the street is Paolo’s way to send that strong message to appreciate street art. With support and acceptance, these street artists can pour their heart into their art and share their passion and consistency through the different walls of Cebu.