Egyptian Graffiti in 2011-2013 as an Expression of Social and Political Protest

This research examines the role played by graffiti in the Egyptian uprising in 2011-2013. Before the revolution street art in Egypt was not a popular way to express political views, but after the revolution began blank city walls transformed into open-air galleries documenting the events of the Arab Spring. However, scholarship had been blind to the street art and its political potential during uprisings. This study aims to show that murals are powerful political tool and medium of communication that can mobilize supporters and change grass-roots sentiments about the current regime. The study will analyze the meaning and the symbolism of the graffiti, based upon multiple sources, including graffiti photos and graffiti artists’ memories, Arab activists’ blogs and journal articles. This study may shed a powerful light on how street art can provoke and motivate political uprisings.