The year is 1990 and Colombia is losing the war with Pablo Escobar and the drug cartels.  The residents of the infamous district of Comuna 13 Medellin live in constant fear of the gangs that rule their neighbourhood.  On a daily basis they hear accounts of friends disappearing, or turning up dead on the streets where their children used to play.  Even the police don’t dare to patrol these streets anymore.

Flash forward 28 years and the scene couldn’t be more different.  Tourists parade the streets snapping photos of vibrant artwork as they ride the innovative outdoor escalators to the top of the hill.  As a result they are rewarded with spectacular views over a city at peace.  Comuna 13 Medellin has become a beacon of hope throughout the world for its drastic urban regeneration.  Against all odds it has transformed itself into a haven of spectacular artwork.  It is a place where talented artists from all over the city flock to proudly display their collective message of hope.

At the centre of the regeneration is Christian Camilo Pareja, better known in the Comuna by his pseudonym, Apolo XIII.  Like his contemporaries, Apolo is rewriting the story of Medellin, as his generation reclaim their city from those who ruthlessly sought to destroy it.  His artwork breathes life into the once hopeless streets of the Comuna.  For this reason his story serves as inspiration to all its residents who yearn for a better future.

We at Purple Monkey Hostel were lucky enough to persuade Apolo to design some artwork for our hostel’s roof terrace.  We eventually managed to drag him away from what he loves to do most to get an insight into his mindset.

I have been painting for around 3 and a half years.  From a young age I have loved to draw and have always had an affinity with art.

In 2013 I won a competition awarded by the Mayor of Medellin, and with the prize money from that I started my business grafic design company “Apolo Creativos”.  Towards the end of 2013 I joined an association of local artists called Casa Kolacho.  Our goal was to unite local talent to promote the development of Comuna 13 through art.

In 2014 I started at University where I am in the 4th year currently studying Graffic Communication and Publicity.

Since then I have had the opportunity to take on projects in Baranquilla, Bogota, Cali, Santa Marta and San Andres.  I have also had the privilege to work outside Colombia in Bolivia and the United States.  More recently as my portfolio has developed and I have gained more exposure I have had the opportunity to work on more commercial projects.

First and foremost I really believe that art has the power to change people’s hearts.  Comuna 13 Medellin used to be one of the most violent neighbourhoods in the world.  It was also the epicentre of organized crime in Colombia.  The introduction of the art has helped to restore order in the streets and has helped the community has come together.  Aesthetically, the art has uplifted a traditionally poor neighbourhood.  In so doing it has been a source of pride for the residents as they see local talent working together on collective projects.  Little by little, the residents have lost their fear in the area that they live in and has fostered a feeling of resilience in its people.

The rise of tourism in the area in recent years has kickstarted the local economy.  As a result it has helped family businesses grow and flourish, bringing in money to the communities that needed it most.  Tourism has generated employment for many in an area that previously had very few opportunities aside from turning to crime.

I always love to see different forms of art from all over the world.  Some of the work being created at the moment is phenomenal, it is just on another level.

Although I could mention so many that I admire from afar, in reality those who have had the biggest impact on me as an artist have been those who I have met personally and who I have seen their art being created first hand.  Artists such as fateone96, jomag.  On my journey as an artist I have been lucky enough to work with some incredibly talented people.  I have been inspired and adapted techniques that I have tried to employ in my own work.

I suppose that I would describe my style as a little of everything.  I prefer to start my works with a base of realism and then use a mixture of techniques to create something original.  The beauty of art is that there are so many possibilities.  I love to study take inspiration from artistic styles or techniques and apply those in my own voice.

Another thing I love to do is use influences from graphic design, using solid lines to blend into the realism.  More recently I have been drawing inspiration from Pop-Art.

As artists, I believe that our first responsibility is to communicate a message.  We as artists collectively show that we are are a city with a rich culture that tolerates and respects diversity.  I hope that we are able to communicate that we are a city that encourages young talent, and that we view the world with open minds.

In recent years tourism has grown significantly, and visitors to the city see that we are a friendly people who welcome outsiders with open arms.

Wow, there are so many.  I really admire shamo8, jeihhco

My dream is to be recognised as a point of reference for art in Medellin.  It would be incredible if my name could become synonymous with the current artistic movement in the city.

I would love for my art to give me the opportunity to travel and represent my city all over the world, to be able to display my work in as many places as possible.  It would be incredible if in one day I could meet some of the artists that I idolise and work side by side with them on new projects.

I would love to leave a legacy to the next generation, in the hope that we as a society can learn to share.  I would love to form a school of art to be able to encourage those who have potential that with hard work and support they can realise their dreams.  In many ways people in Colombia feel restricted by their social status and lack the belief that their dreams are achievable.  To them I say that it may not be easy, but just go for it.  My experience has been  with talent, hard work and a little support anything is possible.

With every response, Apolo’s eyes dart back to the work that he is desperate to get return to.  We’ll let him get back to it.  After all, his spray can speaks with more eloquence than any words.

Graffiti tours of the Comuna 13 Medellin can be booked through Purple Monkey Hostel.

To see more of Apolo’s work click here:

https://www.instagram.com/apolo.mde/

https://www.facebook.com/parejart13