Turning Winnipeg’s streets into art

Isaiah Sanchez, a 23-year-old graffiti artist, is leaving his mark — quite literally — on the streets and walls of Winnipeg. For Sanchez, graffiti is more than just art; it’s an expression of identity, culture and a way to bring beauty to public spaces that are often overlooked. Growing up, art became his refuge, a way to process the world around him. Today, that childhood instinct to fill space with colour and creativity has blossomed into a full-blown career as a muralist, graffiti artist and collaborator. The streets of Winnipeg have long been a canvas for local graffiti and mural artists, who use their work to brighten alleyways, bridges and neighbourhood corners. But there’s more to it than splashes of paint. For many, like Sanchez, graffiti and street art provide a way to engage with the city’s pulse, speaking back to the environment in which they grew up. “When I got more involved with the growing graffiti community in Winnipeg, I was taught by some of the best graffiti writers in the city, said Sanchez. “I always loved how colourful and intricate the style was and how everyone could see it everywhere. That’s what got me hooked.” Sanchez officially started...