Eastern Walls is an exhibition featuring the photography of three renown street bloggers: Kristina Kurilaitė, Ania Kiser, and Giulia Blocal. The work and interviews are curated by Katherine Leung.

While street art is localized and typically known only to the inhabitants of a particular town or city, the internet and social media is increasing name recognition for many street artists. Banksy, among many, have become international art superstars thanks to street bloggers. No longer are South American countries solely the talk of social media when it comes to murals, graffiti, and street art. Murals get shared on social media and a geotag on Instagram or Local Guides Connect begins a limitless conversation. Travelers are beginning to find destinations based off of street art they first learn about on social media. All of this is possible with the tireless documentation and influence of street bloggers.

Lithuania-based Kristina Kurilaitė brings the colorful streets of Lithuania through her highly accessible web zine, Gatvės meno galerija. This small Baltic country is a hidden gem and the vibrant murals would entice any traveler who is looking to veer off the beaten path. Her web publication is published in both English and Lithuanian and remains a source of pride for art enthusiasts who are excited to invite travelers into their country.

Poland-based Ania Kiser has championed the local aesthetics of Poland through her many posts on Local Guides Connect. Kiser’s blogging has brought her to conferences in the United States and more. Her writing has put a site invested in community members serving as ambassadors of the neighborhood they know best – Local Guides Connect – as a trustworthy source of travel information.

Italy-based Giulia Blocal’s affinity for street art and colorful neighborhoods started while living in the Balkans. Her blog, Blocal Travel has grown tenfold since. She’s  traveled all over the world, written countless publications for esteemed art museums and organizations, acted as a founding member of local arts festivals, and brought legitimacy to street art as a reputable form of high art. She connects with fans through a personal monthly newsletter. She curates GIS-supported maps for art lovers to find street art all around the world.

These three street bloggers are doing incredible work in showcasing neighborhoods off the beaten path, outside of the traditional confines of what defines art. They value open information, a love for local culture, and mutual support for the the countless artists that are committed to beautifying cities.