On a corner of Kurmangazy Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan, September 2022
There is some great street art around the city of Almaty, often brightening the large walls at the end of huge Soviet architecture buildings. This bright and colourful mural was next to one of my favourite bars in the city.
In a country that is ranked low on freedom of speech – Kazakhstan was rated 158th out of 180 in the World Freedom Index in 2018 – street art gives an opportunity to convey messages that might otherwise be denied. There is plenty of fun art out there too, plus some that is designed to reinforce state messages.
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 10 October 2022
Enjoying street art has become a regular event on my travels around the world: more of my findings can be seen here
For even more art, pop over to see Sami at Monday Mural
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Travel with Intent 
Pop Art is one of my favourite forms 🙂
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Yes, it’s fun. And it works so well in brightening grey walls
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That is a bit of a surprise but as you said, if there’s nothing overtly political, maybe the government figures it’s better to let this go and let people have at least a bit of freedom.
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Interesting….might you be showing us some more street art from Almaty?
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😀 Yes. There’s a bit more to come. Didn’t have as much wandering time as I’d have liked but I did find one of my favourite artists.
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Good to know a few freedoms are sneaking in, Debs.
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Very slowly but I think there is a bit more awareness now.
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👍💟
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I’m quite surprised by the vibrant street art you have shown us in what is quite a repressive regime. I suppose so long as it’s not political …
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I certainly didn’t see anything political, or at least anti- govt. but there has been some from what a I’ve read. And govt plans to make it all pro themselves seem to have failed with people defacing it. I think Astana would be the place to get a better view of what is happening. It’s still on my to do list.
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