Spraying the Walls, Feeds and Laws: Graffiti as Memetic Technologies of Contentious Politics

Milos Moskovljevic*, Muhammad Masood, Marko Skoric

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Abstract

This study examines alternative media (i.e., graffiti) use in contesting the public sphere in the context of the 2019-20 Hong Kong protests. Utilizing the observation method and a theoretical framework of (hybrid) mediation opportunity structure we demonstrate that the protesters have utilized graffiti and street art as the circuit for messages of political resistance in both the material and virtual world. Streets and walls were treated as an extension of the digital sphere by employing graffiti as a memetic means of self-mediation and political resistance in the city.

© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of International Communication Association. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbertcaf018
Number of pages14
JournalCommunication, Culture & Critique
Online published6 Jun 2025
DOIs
Publication statusOnline published - 6 Jun 2025

Bibliographical note

Information for this record is supplemented by the author(s) concerned.

Research Keywords

  • graffiti
  • Internet memes
  • Alternative media
  • Contentious politics
  • Hong Kong
  • mediation opportunity structure

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Spraying the Walls, Feeds and Laws: Graffiti as Memetic Technologies of Contentious Politics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this