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.
