Under Pressure Festival – As has happened around this time for the last twenty-three years, Sainte -Catherine street and her neighboring branches were set into the haze and smell of spray paint. As Under Pressure set about slapping up a fresh coat of paint around the downtown core once more. Not to be confused with Mural fest, but a similar vibe was found as rooftop and street DJ’s span old school hip hop for the break dancers risking their necks on the pavement and the incredible artists that painted tags and murals on the dedicated walls.
Skateboarders made use of a small ramp situated next to the Skateboards For Hope tent – a charitable organization everybody needs to know about – and the pop-up shops selling all manner of urban culture apparel and art.
Some came for the dancing, others for the music. Some came to support hip hop culture and others watched in amazement as artists scaled scaffolding and swung from ladders with spray cans in hand. Demonstrating the art of graffiti. Young children and senior citizens alike gathered on the streets as the already vibrant Montreal area grew in color and culture once more.
See also : Under Pressure festival 2017
This annual display of artistry brings talent from far and wide. Many of which reside withing the city limits. Others are invited artists from overseas. Eager to get their hands dirty at North america’s longest running graffiti festival. All of the locations that have been painted are done so with permission. Totally legally. Spectators surround the spots and watch as a new breath of live is sprayed up. The level of imagination and talent on display is formidable.
If you missed this festival, fear not. For the art will be on display around the area surrounding the legendary Foufounes Electriques bar for the next year. Until it’s all primed over and the painting begins all over again.
