Street Art - Panama Style

As an artist, my eye is always drawn to those expressions of light and color created by others. And, if it is readily available (as opposed to being behind the doors of a museum or gallery), all the better. This is why I have become a "street art junkie!" The discovery of art in unexpected places is a delightful treat to me, so I was thrilled to wander the art filled streets of Casco Viejo (the old quarter of Panama City, also known as San Felipe and Casco Antiguo). We actually have visited "the Casco" a number of times since arriving in Panama, as we can't seem to get enough of the quirky streets, ruins in various stages of restoration, unparalleled people-watching and mojitos at Vieja Havana. See this post from January, 2012, which describes our first impressions of the Casco.

Street artists are a rare and wonderful breed - creating just for the joy of it (usually), knowing that their art might be of a transient nature if the owner of the building doesn't see the value of the piece. Sometimes the property owner happily offers up his enticingly blank canvas of a wall for adorning, and the piece has a legitimate "home." It is often those works that fall into the former category that are the most exhilarating, just because of the illicit nature of their being.

Whatever the story may be, I enjoy photographing these works that might be whitewashed over tomorrow so that I can enjoy them in the future. I am sharing them with our readers in hopes that you will enjoy them as well, and if you would like to know where exactly in Casco Viejo they are/were located, see the captions.

And, please, fellow street art aficionados of Panama City, do share your own discoveries so I can hunt those down too!

I call these the "Pollera Ladies," as they are depicted in traditional Panamanian pollera dresses. This series is found on Avenue A, near Calle 12 or 13 Oeste (just as you get into the "less dicey part" of Avenue A).

There are 3 Pollera Ladies, and they appear to be having an animated conversation.

Another Pollera Lady, just up the block from the 3 "close-ups." This one shows the full ensemble.

This one is also on Avenue A. I'm not sure if the red splotches were originally part of the piece or added later, but they look like gunshot wounds, which I believe enhances it.

This one is obviously a stencil, and there are several of them around the side streets of the Plaza de la Catedral. I just love the intense look on this guy's face, and with his one good eye!

At a construction site of Plaza de la Catedral, you will find this magnificent Peter Max-ish fish.

An event that occurred last year - but still an awesome graphic, and it's DALI's face!

Near a construction site off Plaza Simon Bolivar... the same artist who did the Pollera Ladies has graced the side of a dumpster with these zaftig mermaids.

On the sidewalk outside of the school at Plaza Simon Bolivar, there are all sorts of creatures etched into the concrete. I love this one, as it reminds me of my favorite riddle: What did the snail say when he rode on the snail's back? Give up? The snail said, "Wheeeeeeeee!"

In Plaza Simon Bolivar, a leg grows out of a planter. You can ponder this dangling limb while enjoying an espresso or wine at a cafe on the square. Incidentally, you will be about a block from the President's house, and a great view across the bay, so photo ops abound.

And finally... here is a piece that exemplifies the old art school saying, "Less is More..."

I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of the street art of Casco Viejo. If you happen to find yourself there, be sure to stop at Vieja Havana Bar, off the Plaza Simon Bolivar, have a refreshing mojito and enjoy the eclectic collection of paintings and photos on the walls. The Cuban music might even get you on your feet for some salsa dancing!