Francisco de Pájaro
Francisco de Pájaro, born in 1970 in Zafra, Spain, is the creative force behind the revolutionary street art movement Art Is Trash. Using abandoned objects and urban spaces as his canvas, Francisco transforms trash into thought-provoking works that critique society, challenge the traditional art world, and inspire change. His journey, marked by struggle, resilience, and raw creativity, has taken him from the streets of Barcelona to international recognition.
The Early Years
Francisco’s artistic journey began in 1990 in his hometown, Zafra. Alongside his passion for art, he worked various labor-intensive jobs, experiences that deeply influenced his perspective and later fueled his artistic critique of the labor system.
In 1993, Francisco enrolled at the School of Applied Art in Mérida, Badajoz, but left after a year and a half, disillusioned by the academic constraints on his creativity. Returning to Zafra, he co-founded Rotuletto, a company specializing in signage, posters, and decorative painting. However, his desire for greater artistic expression led him to abandon this business in 2002 and move to London.
Despite his ambitions, Francisco struggled to adapt to life in London and left the city feeling defeated. In 2003, he visited Barcelona and decided to make it his home, working a series of precarious jobs while nurturing his passion for art.
The Birth of Art Is Trash
By 2009, a combination of personal frustrations and societal crises pushed Francisco to embrace the streets as his canvas. Spain’s economic collapse, job insecurity, censorship of street expression, and rejections from galleries became catalysts for his rebellion.
These challenges gave birth to Art Is Trash—a persona that uses trash and abandoned objects to deliver raw, unfiltered critiques of society. Francisco describes his work as “radically spontaneous, instinctive, and visceral.” His art rejects academic technicalities, instead focusing on leaving simple yet powerful messages for the public.
“Trash reveals the truth,” Francisco says. “It shows what we discard, what we don’t value, and what we try to ignore.” His work critiques consumerism, corruption, and inequality, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable realities.
Art That Challenges and Inspires
Francisco’s art is deliberately fleeting, often disappearing hours after its creation. This impermanence reflects the transient nature of modern life and materialism, emphasizing the urgency of his messages.
“Painting and sculpture are the mother of all arts, a tool of revolutionary war,” he declares. “I am a rabid warrior who dreams of a better world.” His creations, whether grotesque, humorous, or poignant, challenge societal norms while encouraging dialogue and self-reflection.
From Streets to Galleries
While Francisco’s art remains rooted in the streets, it has also earned him a place in the traditional art world. He is a permanent artist at the Artevistas Gallery in Barcelona, where his works are celebrated for their authenticity and raw energy.
Visitors can experience Francisco’s work in person at the gallery, located in the heart of Barcelona’s vibrant art scene. Find it on Google Maps.
Discover Francisco’s Work
To explore Francisco’s groundbreaking art, check out these platforms:
A Life Dedicated to Art
Francisco’s journey from Zafra to international recognition is a testament to his resilience and dedication. “Now, living from art is my prize,” he says. His story is one of transformation—not just of trash into art, but of struggle into success.
Through Art Is Trash, Francisco challenges us to see beauty in the discarded and meaning in the mundane. His work invites us to question our values, confront societal flaws, and imagine a better future.
Discover the transformative power of Francisco de Pájaro’s work at the Artevistas Gallery or online at ArtIsTrash.es.
