The name of the game was JEST. A theme chosen purposely to give a platform for all of the creativity, colour and fantasy originating from Barcelona. Once again, we were overly ambitious in our choice of theme but it paid off. We worked our tails off but managed to pull off an incredible event with some of the best contributors Generator has yet to work with, not to mention the opportunity for the incredible crew of Generator Barcelona to show what they are made of. Made of awesomeness that’s what.

Let us begin…..

As this was the opening event of our newest design-led hostel we wanted to ensure we didn’t mask the design with decoration so we chose to create the vibe of a circus through mapping. Working with a company called Blowfactory who used many high powered projectors to map animated visuals across our whole lobby. Examples included vintage circus patterns and illustrations, including one reindeer-headed trapeze artist. Thanks Paula and your lovely team!

In addition to Blowfactory we worked with another local company, Twisted Circus who brought in a number of original circus installations. Including giant clown heads, two motorised puppets and a full lit sideshow booth. Cheers Matt – we finally found the right place for the clowns!

Then, of course, we had our incredible performers. We were honoured by performers from both London and Barcelona. Chivaree Circus came from London town to grace us with an aerial hoop performance by Lilly Raptor and giant clown antics from Ed Goslingo. They were followed by the absolutely unforgettable performance by Barcelona locals Proyecto Otradnoie which involved an 8 minute routine where Ingrid suspended by only her hair captivated us with a beautiful performance to a live electric guitar.

THE MUSIC was absolutely unbelievable. We had two main areas, Cagliari’s Bar which saw DJ Cabaret solidly pump out an incredible selection of Balkan beats, electro swing, be bop, funk and even some soul. He was followed up by Spanish street artist, producer and DJ, Roberto (aka DJ Imperial) who finished the night with some hip hop, chillstep, electro and grime.

At 10 we were beckoned down to the black cat basement by the animalistic swagger of the brass section of our first band, The Gentle Mystics. Truly a combination of genius and lunacy these cats are like no ensemble you have ever seen before. A 9-PIECE strong band mixing dub, hip-hop and every instrument and inspiration under the sun to create their own special bounctastic sound. Including Noémie as singer / keyboard, Eliane as MC, Harky causing mischief on his tomato tin drums add one massive brass section and you have a killer sound with one mighty bouncing bassline! Admittedly I do feel sorry for their sound guy Greg – 9 piece band – holy moley!

Next up was our truly unique sounding headline act, Molotov Jukebox. Super high energy with loads personality Molotov Jukebox have been tearing apart the festival scene for the past couple years. They are completely mad but wow have they defined an awesome style, a mixture between ska, dub, dubstep, samba and more, you are never short of some skanking beats and a high tempo performance. They even debuted one of their new songs and announced the release of their debut album next year! We love you Molotov. Come back soon.

Admittedly when I got the chance to meet our first DJ the day before I turned into the equivalent of a teenage twilight fan. Having spent the past couple months prowling through Pablo Bolivars back catalogue I was so excited to meet the man who produced such deep tunes! He didn’t let us down, he managed the transition from gypsy mayhem to sexy house like a boss. Beautiful set! Thank you.

Last but certainly not least was Barcelona legend Iñaqui Marin. Presenting a style different from his usual signature he blew us away with some electro funk, soul and more to create one heady heady mix. What a way to end the night! To find out more, check out our JEST  line-up and our Facebook gallery.

[Show as slideshow]

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.

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)