Saturday, September 9, 2023

Street art isn’t just paint on walls

 What Street Artists Think: Francisco de Pájaro, the Vision Behind Art Is Trash

Street art isn’t just paint on walls; it’s a raw and honest dialogue with the world. Among the voices shaping this art form is Francisco de Pájaro, the creator of Art Is Trash. His work, crafted from discarded objects and brimming with humor and critique, offers a glimpse into the mind of a street artist unafraid to challenge societal norms. But what does Francisco de Pájaro think about his art, the streets, and the people who encounter his work?

“The streets are the ultimate gallery.”

For Francisco de Pájaro, the streets are where art belongs. “Art shouldn’t be locked away in galleries where only a few can access it,” he says. “The street is open to everyone.” His work transforms public spaces into arenas for creative freedom, ensuring that his message reaches all walks of life.

His approach breaks down barriers, making art accessible to locals and tourists, the wealthy and the working class, children and adults alike. His belief in the power of public art has helped redefine what it means to create and share art in the modern world.

Explore his street creations online:

“Trash is a mirror for society.”

De Pájaro’s art isn’t just created from rubbish—it’s about rubbish. “Trash reveals the truth,” he explains. “It shows what we throw away, what we don’t value, and what we try to forget.” His art challenges viewers to confront their own habits of waste and consumption, turning discarded items into powerful symbols of society’s excess.

Through his pieces, he critiques a culture obsessed with materialism, urging us to see beauty and meaning in what we typically ignore.

Learn more about his work here:

“Art should provoke a reaction.”

De Pájaro’s work isn’t meant to comfort—it’s meant to spark thought and emotion. “Good art makes you stop, question, and feel,” he says. His often grotesque and exaggerated figures force viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while blending in humor to make the experience memorable.

His art doesn’t ask permission; it demands attention, ensuring that his messages of corruption, inequality, and environmental neglect are impossible to ignore.

“Impermanence is the point.”

One of the most striking elements of de Pájaro’s art is its ephemerality. “My art isn’t meant to last—it’s meant to exist in the moment,” he says. Many of his works vanish within hours, destroyed by the elements, cleaned up by city workers, or simply taken apart by passersby.

This fleeting nature adds urgency to his work, reminding us of life’s transience and the unsustainability of our throwaway culture.

Experience his ephemeral art online:

“We all share responsibility.”

At its core, de Pájaro’s work is a call to accountability. “Art isn’t just about reflecting society—it’s about challenging it,” he says. His pieces hold up a mirror to viewers, asking them to take a hard look at their role in the problems his art addresses.

Whether critiquing political corruption, environmental degradation, or the emptiness of consumer culture, de Pájaro’s work demands action.

A Voice of Change

Francisco de Pájaro’s Art Is Trash is more than art—it’s a movement. By transforming rubbish into powerful commentary, he has created a platform that invites everyone to reflect, question, and engage. His work bridges the gap between the streets and the gallery, proving that art doesn’t need to be polished or permanent to be meaningful.

Discover more about his transformative art:

Join the Conversation

Francisco de Pájaro challenges us to see beauty in the discarded and meaning in the mundane. His work isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about action. Through Art Is Trash, he speaks to the world, reminding us that creativity has the power to inspire change and that even the most overlooked materials can spark a revolution.


Explore the world of Francisco de Pájaro at ArtIsTrash.es

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

The Story Behind Art Is Trash

 Francisco de Pájaro

Francisco de Pájaro, the artist behind the alias Art Is Trash, has carved a unique path in the world of contemporary urban art. Born in 1970 in Zafra, Spain, his artistic journey reflects resilience, rebellion, and a relentless pursuit of self-expression. From his early struggles in the labor system to his radical transformation into a globally recognized street artist, Francisco’s story is as compelling as the works he creates.

A Humble Beginning

De Pájaro began his artistic endeavors in 1990 in his hometown, Zafra. While nurturing his creative instincts, he worked various labor-intensive jobs, immersing himself in the daily grind of the working class—a theme that would later define his art.

In 1993, Francisco pursued formal studies at the School of Applied Art in Mérida, Badajoz. However, academic constraints failed to align with his instinctive approach to art, leading him to leave after a year and a half. Returning home, he co-founded Rotuletto, a signage and decorative painting business.

A Turning Point

In 2002, Francisco abandoned his stable life and moved to London, determined to dedicate himself entirely to art. But adapting to the city proved challenging, and he found himself grappling with failure. The following year, he visited Barcelona—a city that captured his heart and provided fertile ground for his artistic vision.

To survive, Francisco worked precarious jobs while nurturing his creativity. By 2009, he reached a breaking point. Spain’s economic crisis, job insecurity, restrictions on free expression, and rejections from art galleries compounded his frustrations as an artist. This personal and societal turmoil became the spark for a revolution he called Art Is Trash.

The Birth of Art Is Trash

Art Is Trash is Francisco’s alter ego—a character that embodies his critique of society’s flaws. Painting on abandoned objects and trash in the streets, Francisco found a way to channel his discontent with corruption, inequality, and the rigidity of the traditional art world.

“My art is radically spontaneous, instinctive, and visceral,” Francisco says. “It reflects my mood in the moment and delivers clear messages to the citizen without academic constraints.” His works are characterized by speed, simplicity, and a raw emotional resonance that mirrors the chaos and impermanence of urban life.

Francisco views painting and sculpture as tools of revolutionary war, calling himself “a rabid warrior who dreams of a better world.”

Recognition and Evolution

Despite his anti-establishment ethos, Francisco’s work has found recognition in galleries worldwide. Today, he is a permanent artist at the Artevistas Gallery in Barcelona. This recognition is a testament to his ability to bridge the gap between street art’s raw energy and the refined spaces of traditional art institutions.

Francisco’s biography, Art is Trash. Desea nada y lo tendrás todo, offers insights into his philosophy and artistic process, encapsulating his journey from Zafra to international acclaim.

Explore Francisco’s World

To experience the raw, instinctive energy of Francisco de Pájaro’s work, explore these platforms:

A Voice for Change

Francisco de Pájaro’s Art Is Trash is more than a body of work—it’s a manifesto. By turning trash into art, he forces us to confront the discarded aspects of our society: waste, inequality, and indifference. His journey from the “garbage of the labor system” to living off his art is a testament to his perseverance and authenticity.

“Now, living from art is my prize,” Francisco says. His work reminds us that art can be both a mirror and a weapon, reflecting the world as it is and dreaming of what it could be.


Discover more about Francisco de Pájaro’s transformative vision at ArtIsTrash.es.

Sunday, July 9, 2023

A Street Artist Giving Voice to the Working Class

 Laborer: A Street Artist Giving Voice to the Working Class

In the bustling streets and industrial backdrops of Spain, an artist known as Laborer transforms public spaces into powerful platforms for storytelling. Through striking murals and raw imagery, Laborer pays homage to the working class—the backbone of society—while challenging audiences to rethink their perceptions of labor, equity, and justice.

Celebrating the Faces Behind the Work

Laborer’s art shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of daily life: construction workers, farmers, factory employees, street vendors, and service workers. His murals capture the strength, resilience, and humanity of those who form the foundation of society but often go unnoticed.

Using bold, industrial colors and dynamic compositions, Laborer portrays these individuals in their element—gritty yet dignified. His works highlight the physicality of their labor while celebrating their contributions to communities and economies. Each piece tells a story, reminding viewers that behind every structure, service, or product, there are real people whose efforts deserve recognition.

Art as Advocacy and Protest

Laborer’s creations are not just art—they are visual protests. His murals appear in industrial zones, marketplaces, and urban streets, turning these spaces into platforms for social commentary. Through symbolism, slogans, and stark imagery, his work calls attention to issues such as wage disparity, labor exploitation, and the struggles of economic inequality.

By placing his art in public spaces, Laborer ensures it remains accessible to the very people he represents. His work resonates deeply with the working class, serving as both a tribute to their resilience and a call to action for social and economic justice.

A Connection to Spain’s Labor History

Spain’s rich history of labor movements and social activism serves as a backdrop for Laborer’s art. Drawing inspiration from historical worker uprisings and political art traditions, his work bridges the past and present, addressing timeless issues that resonate far beyond Spain’s borders.

Laborer’s art echoes the struggles and triumphs of workers everywhere, transforming localized themes into universal narratives that connect with global audiences.

Amplifying the Message Online

Although Laborer’s murals are best experienced in their natural settings, they also reach wider audiences online. Explore his evocative work and learn more about the labor-inspired art movement through these links:

Laborer’s Lasting Impact

Laborer’s art is more than visual expression—it is a cultural and social statement. By elevating the stories of the working class, he fosters empathy and sparks critical conversations about equity and the value of human labor. His art challenges viewers to recognize the dignity in labor and question societal structures that perpetuate inequality.

Through his work, Laborer has carved a unique space in the world of street art—a space where art meets advocacy, and where the stories of everyday people are transformed into powerful symbols of unity, resilience, and hope.

Monday, January 9, 2023

The Future of Art Is Trash in Barcelona

The Importance of Art Is Trash for the City of Barcelona

Barcelona is a city renowned for its vibrant artistic culture, with a legacy that spans from the grandiose works of Antoni Gaudí to the contemporary urban art scene. Among the many street artists who have left their mark on the city, one stands out for his unique approach and powerful social commentary: Francisco de Pájaro, known as 'Art Is Trash.' His work has become an integral part of Barcelona's urban landscape, shaping not only the city's aesthetic but also its cultural and social dialogue.

A Unique Expression of Urban Creativity

Art Is Trash, or "El Arte Es Basura" in Spanish, embodies a raw and unfiltered form of artistic expression. Francisco de Pájaro's art is created using discarded materials, such as old furniture, broken appliances, and other street refuse. This innovative approach transforms everyday waste into compelling narratives, giving a voice to objects that society has cast aside. His art challenges viewers to rethink their relationship with consumption, waste, and urban living.

Social Commentary Through Street Art

One of the most significant aspects of Art Is Trash's work is its sharp social critique. De Pájaro's creations often depict grotesque yet humorous figures that comment on consumerism, inequality, and the human condition. His art is not confined to traditional galleries but instead appears in public spaces, making it accessible to everyone. This democratization of art fosters an ongoing conversation between the artist and the people of Barcelona, encouraging reflection and dialogue.

Cultural Identity and Tourist Appeal

Street art has become a defining feature of Barcelona's cultural identity, and Art Is Trash plays a pivotal role in this movement. His work attracts tourists and art enthusiasts from around the world, eager to explore the city's ever-evolving street art scene. The presence of his art in neighborhoods such as El Raval and the Gothic Quarter adds a distinctive character to the city's streets, blending seamlessly with the historic architecture and contemporary urban life.

Sustainability and Environmental Awareness

In an era of growing environmental concerns, Art Is Trash serves as a reminder of the potential beauty in discarded items. By repurposing waste into art, Francisco de Pájaro raises awareness about sustainability and the impact of overconsumption. His work aligns with Barcelona's broader commitment to environmental initiatives and urban regeneration efforts.

The Future of Art Is Trash in Barcelona

Despite the transient nature of street art, Art Is Trash continues to influence and inspire new generations of artists and creatives. As Barcelona embraces innovation while preserving its cultural heritage, Francisco de Pájaro's work remains a crucial element in the city's artistic landscape. Whether through exhibitions, workshops, or spontaneous street interventions, his message resonates with a diverse audience, reinforcing the importance of art as a catalyst for social change.

For those eager to explore more of Francisco de Pájaro's work and learn about the impact of Art Is Trash on Barcelona, check out the following resources:

Barcelona's streets will continue to be a canvas for artists like Francisco de Pájaro, ensuring that the city's art scene remains as dynamic and thought-provoking as ever.

The Vision Behind Art Is Trash

  Francisco de Pájaro Francisco de Pájaro, born in 1970 in Zafra, Spain, is the creative force behind the revolutionary street art movement ...