As the world turns to Rio for the 2016 Olympics, which officially kicks off tonight, there’s been quite a bit of not-so-pretty talk about how ill-prepared the Brazilian city is in seemingly every way. But there is one thing that Rio has most definitely got on lock: incredible street art.
Since the government decriminalized street art seven years ago—which is to say that artists can graffiti over urban buildings and structures with the consent of property owners—the depth and breadth of Rio’s street art scene has simply exploded.
Elaborate, vibrant works of varying scales can be found at practically every corner—walls, storefronts, stairs, the sides of large buildings, street lamp posts, and so on. This buzzing community, especially palpable in neighborhoods like Lapa, Santa Teresa, and Jardim Botânico, has also spawned organized street art tours and a street art festival.
And this month, no doubt in recognition of all the attention poured on Rio for the Games, Instagram has launched @InstaWalkRio, an account that hopes to give both locals and tourists an organized way to explore some of the coolest artworks around town, including several new pieces specially commissioned by the social platform.
Below, get a taste of the endless street art the city has to offer, starting with the massive athlete figures French artist JR plopped onto the Rio cityscape in celebration of the Olympics.