Podcast Episode
A 360º tour of the in "Graffiti Hall of Fame"

¡¡!! East Harlem or "El Barrio" as it is called in Spanish, prides itself as New York City's very own outdoor art gallery. From bold murals, brightly decorated shops and bodegas, and historical landmarks that inform us with stories from the pass, one can feel the extreme passion that the entire neighborhood has for visual art. There is nowhere else in New York City where such an abundance of multicultural art blends into unsual parts of streets, such as four-stories high buildings, fire hydrants and staircases become unexpected yet perfect canvases. Any art enthusiast should keep in mind neighborhood to visit. Look out for radiant bursts of tropical colors on every other street corner. Be prepared to be moved by inspiring political messages. Admire the powerful images inscribed on the building walls. "El Barrio" 's visitors would all undoubtedly feel welcomed and most importantly, very inspired by the end of the day.

Although different ethnic communities (the Dutch, Irish, Germans and the Italians just to name a few) had been established and had vanished in East Harlem along with time, the ethnic group that has left the most remarkable artwork in the neighborhood would have to the the Latinos. Among them are the Puerto Ricans, who are the majority of the population in East Harlem today, the Mexicans, as well as Carribean Islanders.

Art is an important source of expression for the artists in East Harlem. Since the 1950's, this neighborhood is influxed with many Latino immigrants and their children from middle- and lower social statuses. To them, art brings cultural values of the immigrants' heritage to their new home, as well as to their "American-raised" children. Art connects people together. Communities such as El Museo del Barrio, El Taller, and Artist's Struggle Organization (OLA), formed among people who passionately supported the aesthetics, and made El Barrio a distinguished cultural center of Puerto Ricans in America. Inspirations are drawn from a variety of subject matters that have moved the artists, such as heritage, nationalism, and simply love, among others.

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