As I travel the world taking photographs, I experience a myriad of techniques and styles on walls, rooftops, sidewalks, billboards, public furniture, subways etc., but very often my attention goes to the small, unsanctioned, and illegally placed pieces crafted around the written word.

Even in today’s ingrained cynicism, or maybe because of it, words matter. At the end of the day – and regardless of wealth, or social position, or power – what we have to back us up, as individuals, is our word. The word that we gave as collateral for the bargain we were negotiating and hoping to win. The word that we used to present ourselves to those who didn’t know who we were but were hoping to impress. The word that we give as trust to those around us.

Words matter. So, it comes as no surprise that many artists use words to disseminate a message on the streets. They tackle a plethora of topics, many times with great humor and gravitas. Always on point.

Here is a photo essay of some of my discoveries on the streets. Besides words, the other major thing in common these pictures share is the fact that all of them were illegally placed on the streets, with the exception of the piece by RERO. They are indeed Eloquent Vandals. Let the words speak for themselves. Of course, the irony here goes to the heart of the matter for many: What’s more powerful, an image or words? In this case it’s both. I think.