Revolutionary graffiti in Egypt - in pictures

With the fall of Hosni Mubarak’s regime, Egyptians are experiencing freedom of expression through various art forms, one of which is graffiti. Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy /Action images 'Before the revolution, there was no or little graffiti. What happened is not a change, it's a birth,' said an Egyptian graffiti artist who goes by the alias El Teneen (The Dragon). El Teneen painted his first work on Jan 26, 2011. Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy /Action images Since the revolution broke out, graffiti has been used as a tool to voice opinion and reflect on the revolution. In some cases, it comes as a bold statement, like this one in Alexandria. Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy /Action images In other cases, it is more metaphoric; perhaps like this one, which references alternative media and how it played a crucial role in bringing freedom, '7oreya', to the spotlight. Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy /Action images Undoubtedly, murals depicting martyrs are the most popular and present in more than one Egyptian city. The one pictured here is in Alexandria. It portrays revolution catalyst Khaled Said . Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy /Action images Throughout the 18-day sit-in, much of Tahrir Square had graffiti painted on its walls. Many have since been painted over. Nonetheless, a couple remain intact, like this chessboard artwork by El Teneen. Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy /Action images Graffiti in Egypt remains a clandestine form of art, where artists often spray their work after midnight. Egyptian artist Ganzeer sprayed the pictured graffiti as part of Mad Graffiti Weekend, which began on 20 May 2011. Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy /Action images It is not uncommon that some of the most striking graffiti ends up being painted over. This one depicts ousted president Hosni Mubarak surrounded by his officials. Who sprayed it over remains an unanswered question. Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy Photograph: Mohamed El Hebeishy /Action images