# Rainbow Street Art The Rainbow Warrior Brightens Bland Albuquerque Buildings By Michael Hines | Published 2011-01-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-warrior References: [aestheticsofjoy](http://aestheticsofjoy.com/2011/01/the-joy-of-illegal-rainbows/) & [alibi](http://alibi.com/index.php?scn=feature&di=2010-08-12) The [Rainbow Warrior](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ink-the-rainbow) is the name given to an unknown artist who paints rainbows onto the sides of buildings in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Rainbow Warrior has dubbed his/her work 'Illegal Rainbows.' In an interview, the Rainbow Warrior stated that Illegal Rainbows was started as a way to cope with a bout of depression. The Albequerque police obviously don't see the healing powers of the Illegal Rainbows and have arrested a person they believe to be the Rainbow Warrior. Free the rainbow! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Graffiti](https://www.trendhunter.com/graffiti) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Street Art Revival:** There is an increasing interest in street art as a means of transforming urban spaces and giving life to drab neighborhoods. - **Art Activism:** More and more artists are using their work to make political and social statements and bring attention to important issues. - **Viral Art:** The rise of social media and the internet has made it easier for artists to share their work and gain international recognition overnight. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Tourism:** Cities and neighborhoods that embrace street art as a form of expression and attraction can benefit from increased tourism revenue. - **Urban Design:** Street art can be seen as a way of revitalizing urban spaces, and may inspire new urban design strategies. - **Mental Health:** Art, especially when used as a creative coping mechanism, has shown potential in improving mental health outcomes and promoting well-being. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Activist-Honouring Hazy IPAs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbows-everywhere.md) - [Six-Note Rainbow Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirty-rainbow.md) - [Colorful Queer Monuments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/queer-monument.md) - [Prideful Toronto Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ink-the-rainbow.md) - [Animated Game-Inspired Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-road.md) - [Confectionary Graffiti Murals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jolly-rancher-gummie.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Colorful Aerial Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clean-power-campaign.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md)