From train stations and skate parks to construction sites and public transport stops, a burgeoning tag team of graffiti artists has been embedding the streets of Europe with Bitcoin inspired artwork. The duo hails from Barcelona and forms part of the Street Cy₿er collective, a league of over 100 artists, activists, educators, and Bitcoin aficionados. This group’s objective is simple but potent: to build a more equitable world through the power of art and the decentralised digital currency that is Bitcoin.
Street Cy₿er’s influence extends across major European cities such as Barcelona, London, Madrid, Berlin, Prague and even reaching the northernmost capital of the Baltic States, Tallin. Extending beyond the eye-catching aesthetics of their artwork which have found a home on social media platforms, Street Cy₿er aims to challenge the status quo. In every piece, a cryptic message is inscribed, lambasting the shortcomings of the traditional form of finance and positing Bitcoin as an alternative. “Street art [also] bypass[es] traditional media often controlled by powerful interests,” one of the co-founders of the group pointed out.
The marriage between Bitcoin and street art forms a powerful alliance. Street art is a counter-cultural expression that challenges establishment, while Bitcoin presents a system that levies a direct assault on traditional finance, making it a peaceful protest against the state and its policies. It is about opting out of the systems that have long reigned supreme.
However, Street Cy₿er’s discourse extends beyond money. Some stand-out pieces implore states to use Bitcoin to fund education instead of printing money, invoking the possibility of a future with free education worldwide. With the scarcity of Bitcoin, the allocation of resources would require significant consideration, which could lead to increased government accountability.
Still others propose a future where wars have become unaffordable due to Bitcoin’s transparency and scarcity, making it more difficult for governments to finance large militaries. On the other end of the spectrum, some of their artwork appeals to pop culture enthusiasts with Bitcoin emblems paired with recognisable figures like Mario or Ronald McDonald.
The street art movement is not the only medium through which Bitcoin is making waves. Recently, a Bitcoin logo with the subtext “Study Bitcoin” was projected onto the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany. The digital currency’s proponents have also been leaving their mark in public spaces by affixing stickers on communal furniture.
Whether through a spray can, a sticker, or a projector, the essence of Bitcoin is becoming increasingly etched in the public consciousness. As the symbols, graffiti, and artwork continue to spread across cities worldwide, Bitcoin is gradually seeping into the fabric of the world as we know it.
Source: Cointelegraph
