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Graffiti art: a bigger picture - 30th June 2023

The walls of Senegal are replete with graffiti art, a practice stretching back decades. Synonymous with hip hop culture, rebellion and sometimes pure vandalism, graffiti's being rebranded by the RBS Akademya, which is making efforts to change any negative perception.

Serigne Mansour Fall, graffiti artist and member of the collective that founded the academy, remains upbeat about the initiative. Fall's convinced the art form will deepen understanding of their society and foster appreciation.

Serigne Mansour Fall: "In fact, the idea wasn't to just educate the young to use this art as a means of making money, even if it's perfectly legitimate and legal. But also, young people who understand the realities of their time, who understand the realities of their people, who also understand the sacrifice that was made to bring us to this point."

With the intention of creating a bastion for graffiti art, the academy's founders also hope it'll serve as a hub for up and coming artists to be guided by experts.

Prior to developing their own style, students undertake three theory and practice lessons weekly, for 6 months, getting exposed to an array of techniques.

Disillusioned by traditional schooling, Ibrahima Soumaré's been granted the opportunity to hone his craft as an artist at the academy.

Ibrahima Soumaré: "I was at school, but I could no longer concentrate on my studies. And since I felt very comfortable with drawing, I decided to leave school to come here, to better my skill-set here to improve myself further."

Libasse Sarr appreciates graffiti as a non-violent form of expression and making his voice heard.

Libasse Sarr: "For me, graffiti is a tool that allows me to manifest and express myself. While people are in the streets to demonstrate with violence, art allows us to be noble and to put messages on the walls that will not go unnoticed."

In order to register at the academy, there's a 40 euro enrollment fee and a further 23 euros monthly covers tuition. With only four students to a class, they have ample access to the founders. Upon completion of the course, students obtain a certificate and an awareness of the challenges that lie ahead eking out a living from their street art.