The Festival d’Arts al Carrer de Calldetenes (FACC 2024), held in late April, has become a celebrated cultural event in the town of Calldetenes, located about 60 kilometers north of Barcelona. Organized by Associació La Pera with support from the Ajuntament de Calldetenes, this annual event blends various artistic disciplines, but murals are undeniably its centerpiece.
With a focus on creating an inviting atmosphere, the high quality murals presented at this festival are designed to resonate with the community. Their pleasant and reassuring imagery reflects the festival’s mission to foster an environment of cultural unity and artistic expression. Murals by Lidia Cao, Lily Brick, M. Calde, and Pablo Astrain—some of the more recognized names in the urban art scene—contribute to this welcoming aesthetic. Each year, around a dozen or more artists, both emerging and established, participate, bringing a sense of creative vitality to the streets of Calldetenes.
This festival is unique not just because of the murals but also for its broader cultural appeal, which includes music performances, circus acts, artisan markets, and more. It’s a family-friendly event that draws locals and visitors alike, offering them a chance to engage with the town’s artistic and cultural spirit.
Special thanks to Lluis Olive Bulbena for once again contributing his photography to capture these murals and for making the trip to this charming town to document the vibrant street art scene. His dedication continues to provide us with stunning visuals that bring the essence of this festival to life.
Today we have images from the the 9th Edition of the International Street Art Festival Graffitea in Cheste, Spain! Every April for the last nine years, Graffitea presents locals with a dynamic celebration of urban art – transforming the streets of Cheste into a massive canvas with works made by national and international artists.
Located approximately 30 kilometers west of the city of Valencia, Cheste is becoming a notable destination for street art and cultural tourism. Cheste’s vibrant cultural scene is highlighted by several key attractions that draw visitors from far and wide, like the historic town center, its picturesque plazas, Valencian architecture, traditional local markets, the Circuit Ricardo Tormo racing events, and The San Francisco de Asís Church with its baroque architecture and intricate interior.
This year’s festival featured an impressive lineup of artists, including Jota López, B:K Mafia, Bublegum, Barbiturikills, Luca Ledda, La Compañía de Mario, Yeko Yekill, Nemo LKA, Zorro, and Lluís Salvador. Each artist has contributed to an ever-expanding collection of over 130 murals that adorn the façades and walls of Cheste’s residential and industrial buildings. In addition, the festival’s artistic director, Toni Espinar, has created the inaugural mural in the “Muros Insumisos” (Insurgent Walls) series, which aims to provoke thought and dialogue through art.
This year’s theme emphasized the freedom of expression and community collaboration that Graffitea is known for. In addition to live painting, the festival included guided tours, educational workshops, and the screening of a documentary exploring the historical roots of hip-hop, produced over two years of research and filming. Schools in the area also participated, creating collaborative murals as part of the UrbanEducArt competition led by Valencian artist Xemayo.
Cheste, with a population of approximately 8,500, is becoming well known for its street art scene and Graffitea continues to enhance the city’s cultural landscape, cementing its place in the broader network of contemporary art museums and cultural events. The festival’s impact has been recognized with awards for cultural governance and is gradually attracting more international attention. We thank photographer Lluis Olive for regaling BSA readers with some photos he captured during a recent trip to Valencia.
Thanks to photographer Lluis Olive-Bulbena, we have new photos today of a sophisticated mural program called Efimur, which heralds natural beauty and creates new examples in the urban landscape. Here is a quick visual journey through the vibrant and dynamic murals of the 2024 Efímurs Festival, held in the picturesque coastal town of L’Ametlla de Mar, south of Tarragona, Spain.
As an urban art festival, Efimur is directed and coordinated by the local artist Uri Márquez Cateura (@uri.kthr), who brought a selection of talented muralists this year. Supported by organizations like the Tourism Department of L’Ametlla de Mar, the City Council, and funded by the European Next Generation funds, the festival’s theme revolved around the integration of urban art with the natural and cultural landscapes of L’Ametlla de Mar.
Often referred to as “the most natural cove,” L’Ametlla de MarArtists featured a roster of mural painters from various countries gathered to paint large-scale murals, each infusing their unique styles and perspectives. The festival also featured a graffiti exhibition, special events, and electronic brunch, culminating in a vibrant community celebration.
Among the notable artists who participated in the 2024 edition were Abys from France, Asem & Manz from Madrid, Dridali from Valencia, Filite from Brazil, Kamma Marlo from Mollerussa, Kitsune Jolene from Belgium, Moxaico from Almeria, Mura from Brazil, Sucri & Furyo from Valencia, Uri Kthr from L’Ametlla de Mar, and Zabala from Bilbao.
Today, we pay tribute to an iconic figure from the Puerto Rican graffiti scene, Eliezer “SKE” Pagán Torres. Born on August 31, 1971, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, SKE was a pioneering spirit whose artistic journey began in the early 1980s. His works, influenced by the vibrancy of Puerto Rican culture and the early New York graffiti styles, resonated deeply across local and international communities.
SKE passed away on April 1, 2024, leaving behind a legacy marked by bold expressions and a profound connection to his roots. His art was not just seen; it was felt, encapsulating the dynamic life and spirit of Puerto Rico. SKE’s style was characterized by its vivid imagery and thoughtful representation of societal aspirations and the influence of the culture, which he hoped would be his lasting memory. Our condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
The photos we’re showcasing today come from an emotional tribute by artists in Spain, captured by photographer Lluis Olivares Bulbena. These images from Las Tres Chimeneas park in Barcelona reflect the profound respect and affection many in the global graffiti community had for SKE. His influence stretched far beyond the shores of Puerto Rico, touching hearts and inspiring fellow artists from New York to Barcelona. SKE’s work remains a powerful reminder of art’s impact in pulling people together and voicing the stories and dreams of a community.
From @brebarcelona: “Mural in memory of @theamazingske! Blessings to the family and all the closest brothers in Graffiti, from Barcelona we share your feelings with the best we can do, PAINT A GREAT WALL! MAC & BAD CREWS represent in Barcelona @chanmacrew @soemmac @sez69_mac @brebarcelona and @absure2000_sac_156_tsf_cpa_tkb & @baysking7.
Thanks to @divine7rbg @thestationbcn for the warmth in their club, @djcanhiphop for the music, @pinturasdecorluxe for the plastic paint and everyone who came to see us live!
Always with us on earth all those who went to paint the sky too soon!”
Fans of manga and anime are mourning the loss of a legendary figure in the industry, Akira Toriyama, who passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68. Born in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, he was not just a prolific manga artist; he was a visionary who brought to life some of the most iconic characters and stories in the world of Japanese pop culture. His most renowned creation, “Dragon Ball,” transcended generations and geographic boundaries, embedding itself in global pop culture and inspiring an era of manga artists.
Toriyama’s influence extended beyond the printed page; his creative genius was instrumental in designing the characters for beloved video games like the Dragon Quest series and Chrono Trigger.
By many accounts, he had humble beginnings drawing animals and vehicles, but he eventually had what some would call a revolutionary impact on manga and anime, a testament to the universal language of art and storytelling. Despite facing challenges and opposition, Toriyama’s dedication to his craft and innovative spirit paved the way for his legendary status. The aesthetics and themes of Toriyama’s work, including a fusion of traditional and futuristic elements, resonate with fans of street culture and graffiti, showcasing his widespread influence.
Today we look at a new mural in Barcelona Spain by Eslicer and Keneone, with shots by photographer Lluis Olive-Bulbena. As we remember Akira Toriyama, we celebrate the stories he told and the boundless imagination and creativity he inspired in artists and fans alike, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and entertainment.
The Gar Gar Festival in Penelles, Spain, is in its eighth edition this year, showcasing street art, muralism, and a new fleet of artists creating pleasant and clever attractions for city walls.
“The festival hopes to generate resources that allow us to correct the effects of time and the deterioration of our streets, reinspiring hope in our neighbours,” says the website, and who can deny the regenerative effect that street art has been adding to moribund sectors of the urban environment for the last decade or two.
Mounted in early May this year over a period of a 3 day festival, Gar Gar featured nine hundred square meters of murals and a program of art, projection mapping, music, expositions, craft beer, and food trucks, along with workshops related to other artistic disciplines. A cooperative of public and privately funded projects, Gar Gar is steered and administered with the help of the advertising and interactive design firm Binomic Cat, which also brings artists together for commercial walls on other occasions.
We’re pleased to show you some of the murals this year thanks to the talent and industry of photographer Lluis Bulbena Olivas, who shares his images here with BSA readers.
When you have a minute, it’s good to stretch your legs and walk through your neighborhood to see the hot spots for graffiti and street art periodically because the local artists often like to re-fresh the selection. In this neighborhood of Barcelona, you will often find new pieces by the neighborhood heroes along the Riu Congost, a small stream that winds its way from very dramatic natural gorgeousness north of the city. Here we have some new stuff courtesy of photographer Lluis Olive-Bulbena, who was on hand to document some fresh stuff from Aryz, Japon, Stain, Emak and Zone – which runs the gamut from graffiti, street art, to illustration and diagrammatic of the mind.
Located just outside Stockholm, Sweden, SNÖSÄTRA is a unique and renowned area known for its vibrant graffiti scene and urban art. A former dump site, it has been transformed into a haven, a site for graffiti jams, and even the SNÖSÄTRA Wall of Fame. Many meters of concrete walls have become a canvas for various artists, and murals and graffiti cover almost every surface. Various styles and techniques are displayed all year, with some pieces conveying social or political messages while others are purely aesthetic or abstract.
SNÖSÄTRA has gained recognition as a popular venue for graffiti jams due to its large walls and acceptance of street art, including SNÖSÄTRA Street Art Festival, the Meeting of Styles – is an international graffiti event that takes place in different cities worldwide, and the Nordic Street Art Festival, focusing on street art and graffiti from the Nordic region.
Last year’s SNÖSÄTRA Street art and graffiti festival featured live performances, dance, workshops, markets, and food trucks. During the first summer days, you are welcome to participate in one of Europe’s most prominent graffiti and street art festivals, with over 60 national and international artists. Visitors could participate in Graffiti, Street art, and dance workshops and eat delicious food from 9 food trucks. This year’s event is holding an Open Call, so take a look at their website and sign up if you are interested.
Naturally, this special place buried in the woods has also become a popular destination for exploring photographers of street art and graffiti culture, and Spanish photographer Lluis Olivas Bulbena recently explored the Swedish spray yard to capture new shots, which he shares here with BSA readers.
Barcelona-based muralist, fine artist, and experimenter Sixe Paredes is associated with his vibrant extractions with a geometric lightness. His stylized murals may have elements of nature, mythology, and indigenous echoes; delivered in a whimsical, surreal, and engaging way that keeps even his most static work moving. At work for the last two decades, building a name and a personal brand, Paredes has been commissioned to create murals and installations for a variety of public and private spaces around the world, including museums, galleries, and corporate headquarters.
A couple of weeks we wrote about Aryz, the Catalan artist being the first artist invited to paint at BesArt The River Museum. Today we have a new mural by Sixe Paredes as well. A project under the umbrella of the municipality of Santa Coloma de Gramenet, the Mediterranean Association of Street Art, and the Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona, their goal is to invite a constellation of local, national, and international artists to execute works of art on the river’s walls. An excellent addition, he creates a new colorful abstraction along the river banks for summer.
Similar to how photographers in the 1970s discovered graffiti on trains, photogs learn about new pieces on walls today through a circuitous route. Importantly, upon hearing of the latest additions, they realize that time is of the essence as the art has an expiration date and will soon disappear.
Lluis Olive Bulbena, a Spanish photographer and documentarian of graffiti and street art, recently learned of new pieces by well-known graffiti writers from Barcelona at an abandoned warehouse that’s infamous for a rave party that was organized there at the height of the Pandemic. Although the party attracted an estimated 1,500 partygoers and lasted for a few days, it was eventually shut down by the police.
Bulbena recognized that the opportunity to capture them on film was fleeting and he promptly headed to the site with his camera to photograph these newest pieces by the writers, which he now shares with you. In addition to the pieces from the warehouse, Bulbena documented and shared with us what he found at the Congal River near Barcelona. Enjoy!
Illustrator, painter, and lover of Japanese monster movies Dan Kitchener (aka Dank) brought Tokyo’s glistening night streets to Barcelona last week. His signature reflective romance with evening magic and the electrified dense cityscape during a downpour has led him to paint walls in cities worldwide.
Here we have the side walls of the Arnau Theater – which photographer Luis Olive Bulbena tells us “was inaugurated in 1903 as a music hall, and was in operation until 2004. Currently, under rehabilitation, it is now owned by the Barcelona City Council.
A rolling street exhibition space, these three walls that protect the theater are coordinated by the Arnau Gallery and Street Art Barcelona, who work with a new artist here nearly every month. Special thanks to Lluis Olive Bulbena for sharing these images with BSA readers.
Dan Kitchener refers to this stage of the project as working with ghosts. “Managed to get the ghost lines super detailed – loving the feel of this already – great to be painting in Barcelona. Such a beautiful city!” he says mid-project.
In a demonstration of people power and the role of street artists as activists, we look today at a neighborhood called Poblenou in Barcelona, whose residents have been gripped in a struggle with real estate developers. The developers have tried to destroy the buildings, the history, and the culture of the area, the local citizen’s group says, and they intend to dissuade them. According to Poblenou neighbors, the large real estate company has attempted to persuade the local city board to purchase a cluster of buildings, including houses with great historical and emotional value, to replace them with offices and high-end residential buildings.
After about five years, the battle rages, with locals saying that the Poblenou neighborhood stands as a symbol of struggle and resistance for the working-class people who built it and that people are proud of what the area has accomplished over time. It is a familiar refrain, this gentrification brought by investors – often these days aided and abetted by the “beautification” of the neighborhood by artists.
In this case, the artists are lending their skills to help the fight for the neighborhood instead. The number includes artist Tim Marsh who lives here. Today we see the wall he and like-minded creatives created, focusing in many cases on people who live here, in “the Passage” of Poblenou.
We thank photographer Lluis Olive Bulbena for sharing his photos of some of the artists and their murals with BSA Readers.
BROOKLYN STREET ART LOVES YOU MORE EVERY DAY
