Francisco de Pájaro: The Artist Behind Art Is Trash
Francisco de Pájaro, the man behind the alias Art Is Trash, has reshaped the world of street art through his visceral, spontaneous creations. Born in 1970 in Zafra, Spain, Francisco’s journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim is a story of resilience, rebellion, and raw creativity. Using discarded objects as his canvas, he critiques societal norms and challenges the art world with his unfiltered voice.
From Zafra to Barcelona
Francisco began his artistic journey in 1990 in his hometown of Zafra while juggling various labor-intensive jobs. This firsthand experience with the struggles of the working class became a cornerstone of his artistic expression. In 1993, he briefly studied at the School of Applied Art in Mérida, but the constraints of formal education pushed him to leave after a year and a half.
Returning to Zafra, he co-founded Rotuletto, a business specializing in signage, posters, and decorative paintings. However, the call of art led him to abandon this stability in 2002 when he moved to London to pursue his artistic dreams. After struggling to adapt to the city, Francisco made his way to Barcelona in 2003, where his journey as Art Is Trash truly began.
The Birth of Art Is Trash
In 2009, amidst Spain’s economic crisis and personal frustrations with job insecurity and artistic rejection, Francisco embraced the streets as his canvas. This rebellion against societal pressures birthed Art Is Trash, an anti-hero persona that critiques corruption, inequality, and the flaws of the modern world.
Using rubbish bags, broken furniture, and discarded debris, Francisco creates raw, spontaneous works that reflect his mood in the moment. “Everything I do is instinctive, accidental, and visceral,” he says. “It’s about leaving a simple, clear message for the citizen.”
Francisco views art as a revolutionary tool: “Painting and sculpture are the mother of all arts—a weapon of war. I declare myself a rabid warrior who dreams of a better world.”
From the Streets to the Gallery
While much of Francisco’s work is ephemeral—often disappearing within hours—his impact has been lasting. His street art has gained recognition in prestigious galleries, including the Artevistas Gallery in Barcelona.
Located in the heart of the city, this gallery showcases Francisco’s work alongside other trailblazing artists. You can visit the gallery at Artevistas Gallery on Google Maps, where his art continues to captivate audiences from around the world.
Explore Francisco’s Work
Francisco’s art bridges the gap between the street and the gallery, combining raw energy with profound social commentary. For a deeper dive into his creations, visit:
- Art Is Trash Official Website
- Art Is Trash Instagram Profile
- Barcelona Street Art Blog
- Artevistas Gallery Feature
A Philosophy of Impermanence
Francisco’s work challenges traditional notions of art. By using discarded materials, he critiques consumer culture and explores the transient nature of modern life. “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 is deliberately temporary, vanishing quickly after it’s created. This fleeting nature adds urgency to his work, making each piece a momentary statement about society’s flaws and the need for change.
A Legacy of Change
Francisco de Pájaro’s Art Is Trash is a manifesto for a better world. His journey from the labor system to living off his art is a testament to his resilience and authenticity. “Now, living from art is my prize,” he says.
Through his spontaneous, unfiltered creations, Francisco forces us to confront our values, question our actions, and imagine a different future. Whether on the streets of Barcelona or in the halls of a gallery, his work continues to inspire and provoke.
Discover Francisco de Pájaro’s transformative art at the Artevistas Gallery or online at ArtIsTrash.es.
