Scientific article
OA Policy
English

Walls of resistance: Underground memories and political violence in Colombia

Published inHistory and Anthropology, p. 1-22
Publication date2023-08-25
First online date2023-08-15
Abstract

In this article, I examine “underground memories” to demonstrate how they serve as resources for resistance in the urban margins of Colombia. I focus on their relations with the urban fabric, looking at the ways the walls of Bogota and Medellin are used as canvases for spreading images and narratives about the conflict. I suggest that murals representing the violence serve as a repository for memories; they challenge hegemonic narratives and contribute to the recovery of public space. Through the portrayals of killed teenagers, suspect military officers and even drug cartel bosses, murals in both cities broaden the narrative on the recent past, including events that the Colombian state is still reluctant to unearth.

Keywords
  • Street-art
  • Political violence
  • Colombia
  • Collective memory
  • Resistance
Citation (ISO format)
NAEF, Patrick James. Walls of resistance: Underground memories and political violence in Colombia. In: History and Anthropology, 2023, p. 1–22. doi: 10.1080/02757206.2023.2248166
Main files (1)
Article (Published version)
Identifiers
Journal ISSN0275-7206
89views
71downloads

Technical informations

Creation25/08/2023 13:23:45
First validation28/08/2023 06:34:34
Update23/12/2025 14:31:13
Status update23/12/2025 14:31:13
Last indexation23/12/2025 14:31:15
All rights reserved by Archive ouverte UNIGE and the University of GenevaunigeBlack