To get an inspiring taster* scroll down, additional artists’ masterpieces are featured in Part 1 of #WILBCN.

From the 26th April, all the finalist will shine on my Facebook cover picture, so share the talent by tweeting or liking it. The next milestone will then be the 14th May,when I will showcase all the artist pieces in the Barcelona hostel.  Join me for a  joyous, exciting and mischievous celebration of talent, art and what lies in between…..

Muzai

Where you are from, what/where did you study? What do you do for a living?

Muzai, 45 years old, graduated from Federal University Uberlândia(MG)-Brazil, works with ilustration, urban art and photography.

How long have you been producing art?

Since 1995

What’s the place in the world you would most like to visit before you die?

Athens-Grécia

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

I don´t have heroes.

Complete this sentence – Life is amazing.

What inspired you most to pursue an artistic direction?

My grandfather.

Is there an underlying message to your art? Are you attempting to communicate something?

I seek to rescue the childish side of man. In my universe, playful elements predominate, fanciful, lyrical and children placed in an atmosphere of serenity. Your search trace a less flowery, with a more direct language, but loaded with small subtleties. In my drawings, I seek the development of new textures, mixing drawing and digital manipulation.

Neus Lozano

Nombre, edad, de donde eres, que/ donde estudiaste? Que haces para vivir?

Neus Lozano, 29, Barcelona, estudie Ilustración en Escola superior de disseny i art Llotja, Barcelona.

Completa la siguiente frase: La vida es para vivirla.

Cual es tu tema preferido y por que?

Siempre ilustro personajes, también niños, la infancia y los recuerdos son temas que me encantan.

Hay algún mensaje en tu arte? Intentas comunicar algo?

Bueno siempre se comunica algo, yo solo pretendo que mis ilustraciones no sean indiferentes que provoquen algún sentimiento, ternura, alegría, nostalgia…

Pavle Masterart

Pedro Veloso

Pedro Miguel Moreira Veloso, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal, studied traditional animation in Lisbon, freelance.

What inspired you most to pursue an artistic direction?

The fact that while creating you forget all around and the hours fly by, and also the feeling of satisfaction when you finish a piece.

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

I would describe it as something mysteriously funny.

Is there an underlying message to your art? Are you attempting to communicate something?

I don’t try to communicate anything in particular, I let the viewer take his or her own conclusions, each viewer has a different perspective.

Ramon Conde Corbal Varela

Ramón Conde-Corbal Varela a.k.a. Mon Devane. 27 años. Ourense (Galicia, España). He estudiado Artes Plásticas y Diseño en la rama de Ilustración y un grado de Diseño Gráfico. Trabajo como freelance, realizando murales para empresas y particulares y como diseñador gráfico para empresas y particulares también.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

Una de las personas que más “idolatro” es Ghandi, y quizá le preguntaría como llegar a ser tan coherente sin perder la cabeza en el intento.

Complete this sentence: Life is La vida es lo que te pasa mientras intentas llegar a algo, un camino en el que importa más el viaje que el punto de llegada.

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

Estilo realista con tendencia popular o pop-art que trata de captar la atención del espectador.

Raul Villaba

Argentino, nacido en Buenos Aires. Autodidacta.

Empezó a incursionar en el mundo de la fotografía a la edad de 17 años, y de ahí en mas no se aparto jamás de ese camino que él decidió recorrer, volcando en el mismo todo su caudal creativo, que con el tiempo se transformo en uno de los fotógrafos creativos más reconocidos tanto nacional como internacionalmente. Paso por todas las ramas de la fotografía, ya sea trabajando como fotógrafo publicitario, retratista, ilustrador fotográfico creativo para portadas de libros, discos, cuentos, poesías, de numerosas e importantes editoriales de nuestro país.

Reflexion

Trato de mostrar a través de mis imágenes el mundo de los sueños, de la magia, de lo onírico, de lo místico y todos esos mundos de la fantasía que tengo dentro de mí, que nacen y renacen a cada instante, y así poder regalárselos a los espectadores de mis fotografías, que tal vez sean, el mundo interior de cada uno de ellos.

Sonia Ferre

Sònia Ferré, 24, Aiguaviva (Tarragona), Arts & design

I’m working as a model and waitress, but I hope to work as an artist in a near future.

Complete this sentence: Life is COLOUR

What inspired you most to pursue an artistic direction?

I think that I born with that.

What is your preferred subject and why?

Theory of the perception of colour and form, because it is very useful for my way of working and to capture the attention of the viewer.

Yes, of course. Art is a means of expression. What I want is to help each viewer, giving him a moment’s pleasure, meditation, bring your imagination to the limit, and this will serve to other aspects of their lives.

Artistically, something you have never tried but always wanted to?

A short film, based in abstract art, experimenting with painting and music together and a very strong connection.

How does Barcelona inspire you?

Barcelona is home to all cultures, human warmth, and colour, colour of so the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of Montjuïc or Collserola make our special, magical light. Great artists like Miró and Gaudí flow between the ideas of young artists in the city. Including food, wonderful Mediterranean diet! gives us the explosion of colour that makes us unique.

Want to see our other finalists’ masterpieces? Check out ‘Why I love Barcelona’ – Finalist pieces part 1.

*Featured artwork and artist quotes are an extract of submitted final pieces and interview questions. In some cases the submitted artwork had to be altered to fit website requirements.

On the 14th May the artists pieces will be showcased in the Barcelona hostel, and I will have my own bespoke gallery designed by you! The exhibition will be followed by a panel discussion and opening party. Check out what mischievous event I have planned to highlight the artists’ expertise and of course, to put on a good event for all of us.

For a sneak peek*, how the artists expressed their love to Barcelona, keep scrolling down. First 10 finalist pieces are below and the additional masterpieces are featured in Part 2 of #WILBCN.. From the 26th April onwards each artist will be in the spotlight and their art piece will adorn my Facebook cover picture! #LoveBCN #WILBCN Happy sharing….

Anita Zaira Haas

What/where did you study?

I’m a nurse

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

My street art hero is for sure swoon. I really like her work. I would ask her if she like to make a paste round with me.

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

Feminine urban art

What excites you about Generator as an exhibition space?

Because I can show there my artwork to the right audience in a vibrant atmosphere.

Antone Garcia Seoane

Estudié Ingeniería en Diseño Industrial en Ferrol y posteriormente en Bacelona. Intento ganarme la vida con el Diseño industrial, diseño gráfico, ilustración, graffiti y tatuaje.

How long have you been producing art?

Toda mi vida… Aunque empecé con el graffiti cuando tenía 12 años.

Complete this sentence: Life is DESIGN OR DIE

Who are your greatest artistic influences?

Difícil pregunta… Nunca terminaría de responderla… Pero voy a intentar resumirla mencionando algunos directores de cine que admiro como Tim Burton, Quentin Tarantino o Stanley Kubrick. También algunos de los videojuegos de mi adolescencia como Skullmonkeys o Medievil. Por supuesto muchos graffiteros nacionales cuyo nombre no será necesario decir… Y entre otros muchos ilustradores me interesa especialmente Matthew Woodson.

Calum Houldsworth

I wanted to transcribe what a young tourist might see whilst spending their time in Barcelona. I wanted the piece to have a connection with tourists so that they perceive the piece in a different way when they go compared to how they saw and thought about it when arriving……. Barcelona is a very visual city with colours, a good art history, architecture and full of life.

David Martos Ra Es

What/where did you study? What do you do for a living?

He estudiat al carrer, vaig començar pintar al carrer i aixo he fet durant anys. Ara estic fent un cicle a l’escola Llotja. Estic parat, vull sortir a treballar a l’estranger, poder estudiar anglés, i continuar pintant.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

En Kenor va ser el meu heroi durant un temps, el veía a tots llocs per Barcelona, encara i tot no creec en herois. El meu heroi es aquell que aconsegueix fer allo que es proposa, i algún dia m’agradaria ser el meu heroi. Que el meu nen interior li preguntés al meu futur adult, como t’ho has fet per fer de la teva passio una forma de viure?

Complete this sentence: Life is un moment que s’ens ve donat, estem aqui i hem de fer tot allo que volem, atenin’hos a les consecuencies, aixi com un momento per disfrutar i per poder fer de la nostra existencia algo inolvidable i positiu.

Studio Doeke

I’m Doeke van Nuil, 25 and my artist name is Studio Doeke. I studied at the ArtEZ School of Art in Zwolle, the Netherlands and I did an Erasmus at the Escola Massana in Barcelona. I’m an illustrator, so I draw for a living.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

The Dinosaur in general. I would ask them: what happened?

Complete this sentence: Life is.. I’m sorry: I’m really bad at those things. I almost hate all those motto’s/sentence stuff. I usually say: Everybody dies at the end! So enjoy your life!

Who are your greatest artistic influences?

I really like Merijn Hos a.k.a. Bfree, a dutch artist who makes really cool work. He keeps playing around (in a good way) and you can see he’s having fun while making things. I got to talk to him in my 3th year of school and his work and way of living where a true eye-opener for me.

What motivated you to enter this competition?

The fact that this competition combines the two things I love the most: Illustrating and Barcelona! Drawing for this competition made me remember all the good times I had in Barcelona. It made me feel really good

Eduard Sacrest (aka RICE)

My name is Eduard Sacrest. I come from a little city from Girona, called Olot. I’m actually living in Barcelona; I’m studying fine arts in University of Barcelona. I work hard in order to get my images across to many people, not only from Barcelona but also from abroad. This is my intention.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

Freddie Mercury. I just give him a big, big hug of gratitude for all he done in the past, and nowadays. He is my real hero.

What inspired you most to pursue an artistic direction?

The people, always the people, cause I believe that a change is possible, if we stay all together and fight from inside for our rights and our freedom.

Is there an underlying message to your art? Are you attempting to communicate something?

Yes. It depends on the work; actually I’m working in a series of stencils of street children. I want to portray the invisible, marginal part of society, to show it. I want to make it visible, because I feel invisible too sometimes.

I would like to fight for the freedom of people, for human rights, cause all we are beautiful, and I try to transmit it on my work.

How does Barcelona inspire you?

Is just question of looking around of you, when you are in the street, on the train, in the University. My senses are opened to capture anything.

Elisa Battiston

Hi, my name is Elisa Battiston….and I was born in Udine, Italy. I have a bachelor in Educational Science from the Univesrite’degli Studi de Bologna in 2007. I worked in this area for few years and then I got a scholarship to go to Uruguay, where I had the opportunity to perform an artistic residence and cultural interchange.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

My hero is “myself from the future”! And I want to ask “myself from the future” if, in the future, I am happy and doing what I love, because if I am not I gotta change it now!

Complete this sentence: Life is wonderful

My personnal and professional life are guided by my dreams and thoughts and by the idea of showing it to the world.

Who are your greatest artistic influences?

I don’t have one person that influences me, but I do like to follow the street-art movement and I’m also influenced by the childhood innocence.

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

I can define my style by saying this phrase: “Take a bit of street-art and mix with childhood illustration; put some pieces of paper, lots of smiles, fantasy and freshness. Shake it all and serve in a plan surface.”

Gustavo Cipriano

(Balrog) Gustavo Henrique de Oliveira Cipriano, Brasileiro, Designer Digital, formado no Brasil, “Viajante”, Designer gráfico artista plástico e grafiteiro.

What’s the place in the world you would most like to visit before you die?

Marroco, Russia, Germany, Egito

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

Caótico, poético, sublime, sujo. A busca da poesia no caos e do sublime na sua essência.

What is your preferred subject and why?

A vida, por apresentar infinitas possibilidades de materializar sentimentos através das cores e formas.

Is there an underlying message to your art? Are you attempting to communicate something Sim, sempre. Nos traços, nas massas de cores. Em todos os meus trabalhos uso as cores azul, significando o sublime e o elemento agua, e o vermelho, o amor e o elemento fogo. Desta forma, procuro equilibrar ambos no ciclo da vida.

Laura Garcia

Laura Garcia, 32, Mexico City. Graphic Design/ Illustration. Mexico/Barcelona. Freelance Interpreter.

What’s the place in the world you would most like to visit before you die?

The Alhambra.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

My hero would be MC Escher and I would ask him to come to the Alhambra with me. Life is just a ride.

Who are your greatest artistic influences?

The thing that has inspired me to pursue an artistic direction has been the support of everyone that likes my art.

Is there an underlying message to your art? Are you attempting to communicate something?

My artistic influences have changed throughout the years. I have a huge influence from Mexico, the colors and shapes that the native Huichol use in their art are amazing. I love Dr. Seuss´s illustrations, M.C. Escher, Gaudí, street art, sacred geometry… I love little details, little “easter eggs” left everywhere for me to find. I also love music, I hear it everyday all the time. Music has influenced me a lot too. I love old school reggae. ……

More than a containing a message, my pieces are for the enjoyment of the observer. I love to make eye candy.

How does Barcelona inspire you?

Barcelona is a very stimulating place for the mind, the eyes and the spirit. If you learn to observe as you walk through the city you can find amazing details everywhere. It has inspired me long before I came here. The little details found everywhere exercise my mind and my imagination.

Michaela Xydi

Love in Barcelona matters, that’s why I love this city.

There are many ways to prove your love, in every sector all over the world. In Barcelona there is no reason to doubt it as you can see it everywhere, all the time. People look happy, open and spontaneous more than every other city I’ve visited or lived, and this is what makes me see so much beauty in Barcelona. Besides everything happens underneath such a beautiful great blue sky.

Where you are from, what/where did you study? What do you do for a living?

My name is Michaela Xydi, I am Greek and at the moment I am working as a graphic designer/ photographer at Metropolitan Magazine. I’ve studied both business and photography. I completed a bachelors degree in HRM in Manchester UK and my Masters studies in Creativity and Advertising in Barcelona, I also took many courses in photography on many categories in Barcelona for approximately 4 years.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

My hero is Friedrich Nietzsche and my question to him would be: – “Why do people think lies makes other people happier?

Complete this sentence: Life is rich regardless money.

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

Conceptual, Surrealistic.

What is your preferred subject and why?

Philosophy and psychology, there is always something more then what you see and touch and I want to know what that is. People use their minds quite well. Happiness and thought, is the balance in between mind and heart.

Artistically, something you have never tried but always wanted to?

Definitely one day I would love to write a book, saying what people have provide me through their behaviour I saw on the pictures I made.

What excites you about Generator as an exhibition space?

Generator Hostels are the Hostels with more artistic identity than many others I’ve seen or visited. When something with such a strong and personal style gives me the opportunity to be part of that, it becomes more than an opportunity rather an experience!

Want to see our other finalists’ masterpieces? Check out ‘Why I love Barcelona’ – Finalist pieces part 2.

* Featured artwork and artist quotes are an extract of submitted final pieces and interview questions. In some cases the submitted artwork had to be altered to fit website requirements.

Initially when you think circus, your association is with clowns, elephants, acrobats and tightrope walkers.

With its origin in the ancient Rome and Greece the circus started in the early 14th century. The idea was to entertain the common public with a spectakulum of some sort. The circus evolved over the century’s and became part of every country’s tradition, a travelling group of performers that magically suddenly appear in town and within a fortnight they disappear again.

An afternoon or evening hosted in a magnificent tent with a voluptuous ringmaster, who announces acts and all sorts of other entertainment and visual stimuli. You have acrobats flying through the air and you can hear astonishing ‘ohhhhs and ahhhs’ from the audience.

And then there are the clowns, we cannot forget to mention clowns when you talk about circus. They come in all forms and shapes and are usually easily recognisable by oversized cloth, wild hair and intense make-up. Initially created to entertain larger audiences by self deprecating jokes and clumsy stunts.

However, with clowns it is like with marmite, you either like them or hate them. If you really, really hate them, you might suffer from Coulrophobia, commonly known as the fear of clowns. You might find them sneaky, scary and just grotesque. When you hear the word clown you might instantly think of the Joker in Batman, Donny Darko (although more of a rabbit than a clown, but similar effect) or Stephen King’s IT. Pennywise the Dancing Clown is the personification of the evil clown, which are the building blocks to the clown phobia.

And then there is the ‘other type’ of circus.

It evolved slowly and subtly in the 21st century or maybe even before. It is full of energy and surprise, it’s a mischievous mix of provocative shenanigans, a patchwork, a kaleidoscope of surprise, disguise, diluted boundaries and perception. Weird and wonderful, unexpected, alluring and insane. There is no real term to describe it, some people refer to it as cabaret, variete, night circus, gipsy or burlesque. It is fluid, evolving, captivating and unleashes unexpected passions.

Plato famously once said ‘beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder’; what appears is all subject to interpretation, perception and emotional connection.

As a human being, you like the enchanting element of escapism, you like to leave your worries behind and just BE, be entertained, be transformed and be surprised; either through sound or movement. The combination of both dazzles senses, thoughts and anything beyond.

Be prepared to be provoked, captivated, allured, spoofed and amazed. Not many bands and performers do that nowadays, especially in light of a 21st century circus, but these 4 marvellous troupes nail it: Chivaree Circus from London, Projecte Otradnoie from Barcelona, Gentle Mystics and Molotov Jukebox. Each an entity of their own, one of a kind and not to be compared with others; all crews are influenced and inspired in any shape or form by circus performances.

Projecte Otradnoie capture the attention through sudden changes of movement, possibilities and expression.

Chivaree Circus is a collaboration from famous London town and describes themselves as an international troupe of performers of discord and harmony.

Molotov Jukebox are a 6 piece band, relentlessly known for their sound, energy and stage presence. To quote the Washington Times ‘ a hodgepodge of cultural flavours spiked with rock and soul to create an eclectic cocktail of musical genius and frivolity’.

Gentle Mistics are a just ZAAANNNG, weird and wonderful. They only meet every once in a while during the year and are performing at selected shows.

 All of them mixed together are an intoxicating blend and motley potpourri of breath-taking performances. Their subtle variances in style make them even more interesting and to combine them in one event is an occasion that needs to be celebrated.

Brace yourself to a night of beauty and poetry, surprise and delight, suspension and persistence. You can experience the illusionists, acrobats and performers live at a raucous soirée at Generator Barcelona.

Its your time to join the circus…..

About the artists

Gentle Mystics have been creating musical wonders for the past 7 years, maintaining an underground yet vibrant existence across many countries of the world. Often riding individually outside of their native London, the band only come together for a few weeks in a year to perform a handful of shows, where their unique fusion of otherworldly music hypnotises many. Their fans are loyal, their shows are immense and their self-titled debut album has sold a few thousand and counting, gaining international respect as it transcends all walks of life.

In May, they will be releasing a 20 minute classical remix, a video for ‘Hark’ taken from their debut album and completely fresh material later in the year. Potent solo projects from Noémie, Cosmo and Harky are also well underway, much of which will be released through their label, EMSP.

This summer they are playing main stage at Boomtown Fair with other UK appearances at Secret Garden Party, Kendall Calling and Sunrise to name a few, with dates in Spain, France and many more TBA. 2013 is another great year for the Gentle Mystics and their fans and they stoke the fire even more.

FLAGONS!!

Molotov Jukebox are a six-piece, genre dodging, leviathan of an experience, poised to take the world by storm. Incorporating trumpet, accordion, violin and the sultry tones of lead singer Natalia Tena over the most concrete and inventive rhythm section since Buddy Rich and James Brown had an illicit love child, this is a band born out of love; love of each other, love of music and a love of making whole roomfulls of people dance til they fall over (or fall in love).

Causing a riot from the UK festivals all the way to Brazil (their most recent tour destination), here is a band with almost universal appeal. Innovatively blending such diverse style’s as gypsy, samba, ska, dubstep, swing and anything else you care to mention, all in their own inimitable style, the unique sound of this band has been christened “Gyp-Step” and is guaranteed to make everybody dance.

Feature images courtesy of Lilu Khaos, all artist images their own.

When it comes to the King of Catalunya then look no further than my four walls. Although I was originally built in 1963, I’m looking great, I think you will agree. My new life as a hostel and hotel has given me the power to be the best in Barcelona. A bold statement my friend but one I feel I fulfil without a doubt. I’m located slap bang in the middle of the two main Metro stations of Diagonal and Verdaguer and from there I’m as little as 15 minutes away from la playa. Bring on the Med.

When is a hostel in Barcelona not a hostel? When it’s a hotel. I’m the best of both. You see I’m a hotel and hostel. How is that possible I hear you say? Easy, it’s all about hospitality and that’s the game I’m in. I’m Generator Hostel in Barcelona, and I’m much, much, much more than a Barcelona hostel, I’m a hotel too.

I’ve got wi-fi on the fly throughout my place, and it’s free to all. Who says there’s no surfing in the city? I hold a new generation of en-suite rooms and uber comfy beds. You’ve heard of A class, well now there’s a new kid on the block… G class. As hostels in Europe go this is on another planet. The best of the very best in hostel rooms in Barcelona. Great views, outlandish interiors and best of all it’s G class baby all the way.

What more could you ask for? A very helpful person around to let you in to the Hostel in Barcelona, keep you safe, offer directions or best of all tell you the secrets of the city? Sorted! A Fiesta Gracia bar open until 2am everyday to catch up over cocktails? Done! Tapas on tap for those local treats? Dusted!

 Check out our Barcelona city guides, take a look what’s on in the hostel and city and join the party at the hottest hostel in town

So much talent out there…we were honoured!  

Tell us which design, artwork sample and street art design is your favourite. Share your ideas on Twitter #LoveBCN or on our Facebook page!

Thanks again to you all, and stay tuned to find out about the next stage of the competition where 20 artists will be producing a unique piece of art in the theme ‘Why I love Barcelona’, which is being exhibited at the opening event of Generator Barcelona. Two out of the twenty art pieces will be chosen to be displayed as a permanent mural within public areas of the hostel.

Below shows our next 10 finalist sample work along with an artist concept statement. Want to view more? Check out Part 1 of the finalist sample work.

Pedro Veloso/ Barcelona

I am developing my own style based on my experiences,, creating alternative worlds and characters., I try as much as possible to pull the most of the inspiration out of my head, I believe that is the best way to create something unique.

Doeke van Nuil/ Netherlands

Do I love Barcelona? Yes I do! If I hade all the money I would pack my bags right now and take a plane. The first time I visit Barcelona was in 2009, I was visiting friends. Short time after, I decided Barcelona would be the perfect place for an Erasmus! (Exchange program) In 2010 I went to Barcelona for 6 months to live, go to school (Art school Escola Massana- direction Illustration) and have fun. And fun it was. In those 6 months I discovered a lot about Barcelona and its people. I love the food (God, do I miss does tapas!) and off course the weather.

My concept for this project will be this: I will draw my favourite memories and moments from the times a was on Barcelona. Everything is possible: People on the beach, Moghito’s, food, people having fun, cycling next to the beach. In the attachment I will show you an illustration I made some time ago. It’s the way I picture my wall: A big green circle with a lot of drawings in black about Barcelona. With this plan I will make a wall where people can look at for a long time: there’s is so much to see and discover, I think it will look great on a wall. With its colours is not to much: Just one bright colour (I like mint-green) and black. Simple, cool but super awesome!

Eduardo Pagan/ New York

“Expresionismo abstracto de colores caribeños inpirado en paisajes urbanos .”(Artist concept statement)

Anton Garcia Seoane/ Barcelona

“Antón Seoane a.k.a. Roke esta caracterizado por ser un escritor de graffiti polifacético que realiza todo tipo de creaciones: Bombing, Murales (tanto letras como personajes), Street Art, etc. Alternando uno u otro según temporadas. También realiza ilustraciones, fotografías y diseño gráfico.
Hace más de 5 años se inicia en el tatuaje, influenciando al resto de sus creaciones con la estética de esta disciplina, basándose en temáticas como la vida, la muerte, el amor, el odio, etc. Su icono es una calavera basada en el cine de animación y la estética mejicana. Bajo el sello de “Skull is cool!”, la repite hasta la saciedad en sus creaciones.

Antón Seoane a.k.a. Roke is a multidisciplinary graffiti writer. He does Throw ups, Walls (letters and characters), Street Art, etc. He does illustration, photography and graphic design also.
He is tattoo artist since five years ago, influencing the rest of his creations with the aesthetics of this discipline, based on themes such as life, death, love, hate, etc. Its label is a skull inspired by animation movies and Mexican culture. Whit the “Skull is cool!” slogan, Roke repeats this label in their creations endlessly.” (Artist concept statement)

Elisa Battiston/ Barcelona

“The Secle’s idea
Take a bit of street art and mix with childhood illustration.
Put some pieces of paper ,lots of smiles, fantasy and freshness. Shake it all and server in a plan surface.
P.S. Let it move on to maintain its essence.
Specializing in clouds and spinning tops.” (Artist concept statement)

Ramón Conde-Corbal Varela/ Ourense

“Realistic spray artowrk. Popular portraits.” (Artist concept statement)

Rafael Paulino/ Valencia

No artist statement currently available.

Michaela Xydi/ Barcelona

“My photo’s style is conceptual. You’ll have the opportunity to have a look at my web which is mainly a personal photography page, much rather preferred then using uploads on friendly social networks.
This is underlined by the fact I’ve included portraits of friends, who probably to my eyes would appear more beautiful because it was shared through that proper moment.
It is not a commercial vehicle, but a more personal way to understand my points of view and myself on a much deeper level.” (Artist concept statement)

Pavle Cvijovic/ Belgrade

“Destroyer, creator, anarchistic expressive and realistic… I’m presenting the realism of life, brutality of reality and beauty in our self. I`m interested in all kind of urban art, so I’m doing murals, letters, posters and stencils, depend in what kind of mood I am… but everything of it, is me, my roots and imagination … I think that i put in my style half Byzantine and half Mexican culture…spiritual as Orthodox and huge like Mexican socialism art…
I hope you will like it…” (Artist concept statement)

Muzai/ Brazil

“My art is based on characters with elements of fantasy and children. I work with digital illustration and graffiti’s.” (Artist concept statement)

It has not been an easy decision to make for the judges, and we did not envy them, but here are the first 10 of our 20 finalists. Some snippets of sample work are below, and shown in a random order. Part 2 of the samples are now available!

Check out the incredible talent and get a glimpse of their artwork, along with their own Art concept statement. Let us know what you think using the comments box below and share the love on Facebook & Twitter by sharing and liking the page. Enjoy:

Gustavo Cipriano/ Dublin

“Express the emptiness, truth, love and sublime using elements of Brazilian culture as Forró music typical of the northeast. I believe in detachment of consumption, and the demythologizing of images like the skull that is the foundation of human life. That way I create my paintings tint using water based (blue, red, black and white) and small shadow detail spray (the ozone layer thanks).
Barcelona has no comments because breathes art is inside or outside the European economic crisis.
Knowing and painting in Barcelona??
my dream!” ( Artist concept statement)

Laura Garcia/ Barcelona

“I am very good with acrylics, pencil and pen. Drawing is something I have done as long as I can remember, it was only 7 years ago, when I started painting seriously. I love nature and animals, and most of my inspiration comes from there., from small details, patterns, colours or repetitions. I have been working on geometric shapes and tessellations lately. I have discovered that everything in nature has a mathematical perfection hidden in plain sight. It is those wonders, small hints and acknowledgements that I try to interpret and understand.” ( Artist concept statement)

Andrea Norden/ Stockholm

“I like to capture things in everyday life that may seem ordinary and normal, but if you look closer it’s art. It may be an expression on a face, a glance of an eye or an old coca cola can on the street.
I’m amazed by the world we live in and the people who live in it and I always try to explore more than what we see at first.
I most often do minimalistic and very realistic sketches. Street art is one of my biggest interests so I have also done a lot of collage paintings using spray cans, and also painted on large walls. Painting on walls is now my biggest mission, especially when it evolves around creating something where you explore a city and its people. That’s why I think this contest sounds great and I would love to participate!” ( Artist concept statement)

Sonia Ferre´/ Barcelona

“En els meus projectes sempre prenen la part més important les formes organiques d’una manera molt explosiva i elèctrica, convinant el que podem entendre per natura i per artifici, creant espais imaginaris de noves maneres d’entendre el que ens envolta. El resultat és un estil abstracte on hi predomina el color llempant, normalment utilitzant acrílic, tot i que moltes vegades intento convinar dibuix, fotografia i dibuix assistit per l’ordinador per acabar de completar aquest univers visual.” ( Artist concept statement)

Raul Villalba/Buenos Aires

“Arte fantastico” ( Artist concept statement)

Neus Lozano/ Barcelona

“I work in illustration, sweet style, colourful, sometimes intuitive …” ( Artist concept statement)

David Marteos Cabeas/ El Prat del Llobregat

“El meu projecte es pintura mural. Utilitzant spray sobre paret.
El meu estil es basa en combinacions de colors i combinacions de formes.
Vaig començar fa tres anys realitzant pintures al carrer a partir de la improvisació, i imaginant animals o coses de la naturalesa, i va anar evolucionant.
El meu estil i la meva expressió, m’agrada pensar que te aquesta connexió amb Barcelona per tota la influencia que te aquesta ciutat amb l’art del color,, amb l’art de la forma,, amb els estils surrealistes i innovadors que vam tenir far molts anys, i que encara aquí s’estan continuant durant dècades. Parlo de Gaudi, de les obres del grup dau al set, i també d’altres mes contemporanis com serien pintors ja esmentats per al concurs. (kenor, pez)

De cara a la pintura a realitzar, m’agradaria pintar alguna cosa relacionada amb el mar, així com dibuixar l’aigua amb moltes formes i poder-hi incloure algun rostre que humanitzes aquesta aigua.
M’agrada Barcelona, pels seus carrers, perque encara queden zones de l’antic graffiti, m’agrada encara que estigui plena de turistes, ja que donen a la ciutat l’aire cosmopolita i tant divers que té, i m’agrada el clima mediterrani, m’agrada el mar, i m’agrada l’arquitectura de Barcelona.” ( Artist concept statement)

Anita Zaira Haas/ Amsterdam

“My artist name is Zaira. I’m a street artist from Switzerland i make since 6 years active art on the street
now I work since two years on the streets and gallery’s in Amsterdam
my works are done free hand with spray can and with stencils
I like to make colourful walls animals or faces, cityscape………….big walls
I like to make a lot different stuff. ” ( Artist concept statement)

Calum Houldsworth / Caterham

“I like to use colour and drawings with the use of Photoshop to make a very interesting and visually appalling piece of work. I would start and see what makes Barcelona, Barcelona. I would draw the aspects of Barcelona and make a scene which captures the life and essence of the place, My sample work is the result of visually recording the area Brick Lane, in London, If I were given the chance I would develop and improve this style.” ( Artist concept statement)

Eduard Sacre/ Barcelona

“El meu nestil es basa en l’stencyl, mètode pel qual amb plantilles i sprays puc reproduïr la mateixa plantilla en varis llocs i en varis soports. M’inspiren els carrers, la gent, la música i l’art en general; m’inspira Barcelona, i és per això que vull parlar sobre i de Barcelona. El meu projecte consistirà en realitzar un mural donant les gràcies a la ciutat, demostrant perquè m’estimo Barcelona.” ( Artist concept statement)

UPDATE: Please see our chosen 20 ‘Why I love Barcelona’ finalists in Part 1 and Part 2 of our artist showcase. 

The competition is now closed! Thanks for your submissions.

Generator is offering up-and-coming artists the chance to have their masterpiece on permanent display in Barcelona’s newest boutique hostel.

Pedro Cuevas, B-Toy, Pez… Could your name be next?!

STEP 1

Simply put forward three pieces of artwork that showcase your creative style via the form below by 8 February 2013 to be in with a chance of winning.

STEP 2

Our illustrious panel of judges will select 20 finalists in the following week and ask them to produce an example piece of art around the theme ‘Why I love Barcelona’ for submission by 11 March 2013. All 20 proposals will be showcased in the hostel during an event with the judges.

STEP 3

Two winners will then be chosen to each produce one unique masterpiece which will become a permanent fixture in Generator Barcelona’s two large public areas, with a potential audience of over 180,000 international visitors per year. All shortlisted artists will also have the opportunity for their artwork to be showcased to top designers, art curators, fellow artists and the local media in an exhibition promoting the property’s launch.

How’s that for exposure?!

THE GENERATOR STYLE:

We’re looking for all types of urban art, from drawings and paintings to illustrations and graffiti work, so you can be as free and expressive as you like. And when we say we have a large space for the winning artwork to fill we’re not kidding: ultimately the finished pieces will measure 5.3m by 1.75m and 8.75m by 1.5m! That’s definitely great exposure!

As if that weren’t enough, the two worthy finalists will also win a city break for two in any of Generator’s European design-led properties, surely the perfect way to get inspired for future projects.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

All 20 shortlisted artists will be invited to the exhibition opening at Generator Barcelona where their art will be on show; a great portfolio opportunity for all.

The two winners will:

• Each receive a £400 flight voucher and six nights’ accommodation in a twin room at any Generator location across Europe.
• Gain fantastic exposure opportunities, with their name published in press materials and promotions relating to the exhibition.
• Be interviewed and have their work progress documented as part of the project’s video and photo documentation.
• Receive copies of the final video process and photography of their artwork creation.

THE PANEL:

The panel will be made up of:

Anwar Mekhayech, Principle Designer & co-founder of The Design Agency

• Anwar’s portfolio includes Soho House and Shangri-La Residences in Toronto
• Host of the HGTV show ‘The Designer Guys’
• Key influencer, continually involved as a guest speaker, hosting events, product placements and sponsorships

Rebecca Mason, Interior Architect & Designer, professor at IED Barcelona
Tina Zeigler, Contemporary Art Curator
Carl Michel, Generator’s Executive Chairman

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Deadline extended!

Sample artwork must be submitted by 8 February 2013.

The shortlisted 20 will be then asked to create an example of their final piece of work for submission by 11 March 2013.These will be displayed in 2 public areas of the hostel.

Guidelines (our Terms & Conditions)

1. All artists worldwide, 18 and over are eligible to participate in the Why I love Barcelona competition.
2. Art samples should be sent using the Generator website.
3. All sample artwork uploaded by entrants will not be the final artwork installed at Generator Barcelona.
4. Artwork samples should be in the following format: .tif, .tiff, .eps, .jpg, .jpeg, .jfif, .gif, .png. Please compress all files into a zip folder. Maximum of 20 megabytes.
5. Submitted samples from the 20 finalists may be published on Generator’s social media channels and generatorhostels.com to further promote the exhibition
6. Before entrants enter the competition, copyright of artwork should be owned by the entrant (not owned by third parties).
7. The chosen artwork will be printed on vinyl and installed by Generator.
8. Two public area sizes: 5300x1750mm and 8750x1500mm
9. Closing date for submission of artwork is 8th February 2013.
10. 20 finalists are to produce a piece of artwork relating to the theme; ‘Why I love Barcelona’ by 11th March 2013.

‘Share To Win’ – Facebook Terms and Conditions

• To enter, you have to share the Barcelona art competition from the Generator Facebook wall, and get the chance to win one free night stay for you and your friend in one of our properties (incl. breakfast)
• 5 winners will be drawn at random and announced on the 8th February
• Redeemable at social@generatorhostels.com
• Not in Conjunction with any other offer
• One entry per person only
• Price is valid until 01st March 2014
• Rooms are subject to availability
• Flights not included
• Entrant has to be 18 and over and may be asked to prove their age
• To take part in competition, you have to like the Generator Facebook page
• Generator hostels LTD reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time
• By entering the competition the participant accepts the terms and conditions