Anarkia Graffiti Interview
Monday, March 14, 2011
“Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals.”
—Dorothy Height
Within the world of graffiti there are many people running their mouths talking about being “KING” or “QUEEN”; they all talk but very few of them are putting in any work to prove their words. Royal status is NOT something people necessarily achieve (history proves that any fool can be “KING”) whereas GREATNESS, on the other hand, is only acquired when an individual goes beyond the boundaries placed before them; both real and the imagined.
Action has always trumped proclamation and Panmela “Anarkia” Castro is one who lets her actions speak for her. So while certain people are aspiring for “thrones” and seeking notoriety Panmela has been busy taking on new challenges; both professionally and personally. In 2008, she made history by became the FIRST female to win a Hutuz Award – the event being the most important Hip Hop award ceremony in Brazil. In 2010, she was co-winner of the Hutuz Award for Artist of The Decade. If that weren’t enough, going beyond the borders of graffiti and art, Panmela Castro received the 2010 Human Rights award from the Vital Voices Global Partnership; an organization which helps honor and develop women leaders all over the world.
To my knowledge Anarkia has never proclaimed herself as “Queen” or anything of that nature, yet her everyday actions and conduct would give her undisputed right to make such a claim. True greatness is not found with self-promotion, but is found in the act of overcoming obstacles without bragging, it’s fund in the ability to inspire others while showing them life has no limits, and lastly, greatness is never satisfied; it always bigger challenges.
Artist, activist, teacher, leader, feminist, and woman are all words which do honestly describe Panmela, but for today and the days that follow I will use the word “GREAT” when speaking of Anarkia. And I am sure Dorothy Height would agree.
Read the full Anarkia interview here.
