The Curious Case of VEO: A Journey Through the Mysteries of Visual Search
IF YOU'RE A RESIDENT OF CONNECTICUT, WHETHER YOU’VE NOTICED IT OR NOT YOU'VE SEEN THE CURIOUS GRAFFITI THAT HAS SPREAD ACROSS BRIDGES, BUILDINGS, SIGNS, URINALS, MIRRORS, AND DAMN NEAR EVERYTHING. ONE COMMON FORM SHOWS SYMBOLS THAT LOOK LIKE THE LETTERS V-E-O. THE TAG INTRIGUES, IMPRESSES, ANNOYS, AND FASCINATES. WHO IS BEHIND THIS MYSTERIOUS GRAFFITI, AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
The origin and meaning of VEO have remained a mystery for over two decades, with various theories and speculations circulating around its identity and purpose. Some ideas have circulated that it might be a political statement, a gang sign, a personal tag, while others suggest it might be a code or a message.
One theory is that VEO stands for "Vandalize Everything Outdoors," suggesting that the graffiti artist has a rebellious attitude towards society and authority. Another theory is that VEO stands for "Vegan Earth Organization," indicating that the graffiti artist might have an environmentalist and animal rights agenda. A third theory is that VEO stands for "Veo," which is Spanish for "I see," suggesting that the artist wants to draw attention to their perspective and vision.
However, none of these theories have been confirmed by any reliable source or evidence. The only thing that remains certain is that VEO has spread across different towns and cities in Connecticut, and some have even spotted it in other states like New York.
One way to decipher the meaning of VEO could be to look at its symbols more closely. Observers have noticed that the symbols vary in style and form, ranging from three letters (V-E-O), to a single letter (O), to a circle with a line through it (Ø), to an eye with an eyebrow (👁️), to an infinity sign (∞), to a fish (🐟), to a smiley face (😊), to an abbreviated version (V-O), to elongated version (V-E-O-H). Some speculate variations could indicate different meanings or messages depending on the context or location of the graffiti.
For example, one Reddit user suggested that VEO could stand for "water is equivalent to gold," based on alchemical and mathematical symbols. According to this theory, V represents water (from Latin aqua vitae), E represents equivalence (from algebraic notation), and O represents gold (from alchemical symbol). This could imply that the artist values water as a precious resource or commodity.
Another way to understand the meaning of VEO is to look at its history and culture more broadly. Graffiti is an ancient form of art and communication that has been used by various groups and individuals throughout history for different purposes, such as expression, protest, resistance, and identity. Graffiti can also be seen as a form of urban exploration and adventure that involves finding hidden or hard-to-reach spots to leave one's mark.
VEO could be understood as part of this tradition of graffiti art and culture that seeks to challenge norms, claim spaces, create beauty, share stories, and provoke curiosity. Perhaps there is no single meaning or message behind VEO, but rather multiple meanings and messages depending on who creates them, who sees them, and how they interpret them.
VEO remains a mystery that has captivated Connecticut residents for years. It's a form of art and communication that uses symbols to convey meanings or messages, and while its origin and purpose remain unknown, it's clear that VEO has become a part of Connecticut's cultural landscape. Whether you find it annoying or intriguing, VEO's symbols have left an indelible mark on the state's visual identity.
And just like you we don’t have a damn clue who makes them or what they mean, we prefer it that way.
