Legends of the streets
Stunning works by some of the world's best urban artists at the Muram in Cartagena
THE URBAN art form of graffiti may have become big, international business – with pieces by some of its most famous exponents selling for six figure sums – but at heart it will always remain an act of protest and expression by those who feel marginalised by society.
It is, simultaneously, considered to be both vandalism and inspirational, including works that are painted without permission on public and/or private property, and those which are specially commissioned by public and/or private organisations to give their image extra cache or to rejuvenate deprived areas.
Its themes are often social commentary or wildly imaginative flights of fantasy but graffiti is a broad church that welcomes any conceivable style or technique.
Whatever your preconceptions may be, graffiti is here to stay and for some time now has made the leap from out on the streets to inside galleries and museums.
This is a double–edged sword, as some claim this destroys its essence as an act of protest, while others argue that this recognises and duly rewards the talent of its finest exponents.
Exhibitions like this not only enable lovers of art in its more traditional sense to appreciate the richness of graffiti, they also invite those who are already lovers of graffiti but might not usually visit galleries or museums to discover more about art in general.
The urban art project at Murcia fine arts museum (Mubam) in 2017 was a great success, attracting a record number of more than 22,000 visitors to two exhibitions held there.
Arte Urbano: Leyendas Callejeras (urban art: street legends) at the region’s modern art museum (Muram) in Cartagena is also organised by the Murcia Street Art project but none of these pieces appeared at the Mubam, so even those who visited that will find completely different works of art.
On display are 79 works by 76 artists from 23 countries across five continents and it is open until June 30.
This exhibition follows street art from its origins, with works by iconic artists like Seen and Quik, who vandalised the New York Metro as a form of expression, through those who opened up new pathways like Blek Le Rat, Obey, Faucheur, Banksy etc. and ending with new generations who continue to surprise, for example Vhils, Okuda or Bordalo II.
This is also the first time that a museum in Murcia has had a certified work by the Bristol legend known as Banksy (see pic left) , and it is a small but typically defiant critique of oppression.
Just as worthy of mention are the African artists Mederic Touray and Aboudia, as well as Twoone from Japan, alongside Spaniards Okuda, Francisco de Pájaro, Belin, and Murcians Carlos Callizo and Kraser.
They have made gigantic murals, mastered different techniques – such as stencil, wheatpaste and using recycled materials – and put their art on pretty much any object that can be painted with a spray can.
One exhibit is actually on the original tiles from the Paris Metro, which were removed to preserve and cherish it.
This is a kaleidoscope of an exhibition that will inspire awe, joy, indignation, sadness and laughter.
For the inauguration, the artist Belin from Linares in Jáen came and made a 2.5 square metre painting live. Belin has transformed this old mining town by decorating numerous buildings with his characteristically warped figures sporting outsized heads and hyper-realistic eyes which stare right back at you.
Not only has he invited fellow artists to help illuminate his home town, he has been commissioned to create spectacular pieces all over the world, including the exterior of the Space Ibiza nightclub in New York.
There are further opportunities to watch live painting by artists at the Muram with Chapu on April 26 and 27, Turay and Carlos Calzillo on May 17 and 18 and Krasser on May 24 and 25.
There are also guided tours by the curator, Darío Vigueras available on May 11 at 12.00 and May 18 at 12.00 and 19.00. For other guided tours contact the museum on 96 850 16 07.
The Muram is in the Plaza de la Merced. Entry is free and it opens Tuesday-Friday from 10.00-14.00 and 17.00-19.00, Saturdays from 11.00-14.00 and 17.00-20.00 and Sundays and fiestas from 11.00-14.00. It is closed today (Good Friday).