Graffiti in Wales has a rich and evolving history, blending global influences with local culture. The origins of graffiti in Wales can be traced back to the late 20th century. Graffiti began to gain prominence as an art form, following its rise in New York City during the 1970s. Welsh graffiti emerged in urban areas like Cardiff and Swansea, where it quickly became a medium for youth expression, social commentary, and also community identity. By the 1990s, graffiti in Wales had developed its own unique style. Influenced by Welsh culture, language, and politics, graffiti art often reflecting the region’s struggles and aspirations.
Political Expression
Graffiti in Wales has long served as a tool for political expression. Many use graffiti art to reflect issues such as language rights, national identity, and social justice. From the revival of Welsh nationalism in the late 20th century to contemporary debates on devolution and independence, graffiti/ street art has served as a bold and public canvas. It has amplified the voices of the marginalised and the politically engaged. As a result, street art is now a vibrant part of Wales’ ongoing dialogue about its future.
Cofiwch Dryweryn
The Cofiwch Dryweryn graffiti is one of the most iconic examples of political expression in Welsh street art. It was painted by Meic Stephens on a wall near Llanrhystud in the 1960s. The message, which translates to “Remember Tryweryn,” memorialises the flooding of Capel Celyn, a Welsh village, to create a reservoir for Liverpool. This act became a powerful symbol of cultural and political resistance. Over the years, the Cofiwch Dryweryn mural has been defaced, restored, and replicated across Wales, highlighting its enduring significance.
Social Commentary
In urban areas across Wales, graffiti has become a powerful medium for political expression. Above all, it allows communities to voice their concerns and aspirations directly in public spaces. Cities like Cardiff, Swansea, and Wrexham have seen walls and alleys transformed into canvases that reflect local and national political sentiments. ‘Yma O Hyd’ (which translates to ‘Still Here’, a phrase which has long denoted the perseverance of Welsh language and culture) appears in many murals across Wales.
These urban artworks also engage with broader social and political issues. From anti-austerity messages to calls for environmental action. The immediacy and visibility of graffiti make it a particularly potent form of protest, bypassing traditional media and allowing for direct communication with the public. In addition, graffiti in Welsh cities reflects the political climate and helps shape public discourse. It has become an essential part of the cultural landscape. Graffiti also acts as a barometer of the social pulse in urban Wales.
Today, graffiti in Wales continues to thrive, embracing themes that resonate deeply with the community and reflect its unique identity. Here at Fresh Creative Co, we are thrilled to contribute to this vibrant and evolving art scene, using our street art and murals in Swansea, Cardiff and beyond to celebrate and explore the rich tapestry of Welsh life, from its political landscape to its cultural heritage.
