many faces and paradise city: Malasaña street art

Photos taken by me while wandering around Malasaña at night.

Malasaña Street Art

The animals:

fierce

docile

The many faces:

raw realism

suggestive lines

harlequin headed

The Murals:

graffiti gumbo

single vision

All these photos were taken by me as I wandered the streets of Malasaña. This barrio is a treasure trove of graffiti. I'll probably make a return visit soon to photograph more storefronts and murals. 

related: Kitschy Dollies in the window

Kitschy Dollies in the Window

Tata Ekeko: The Bolivian God of Abundance. There are several charming folk stories about the legend of Ekeko.

A green Indian chief.

Many Marys

Reina Maria Lionza (or Yara, the Venezuelan queen of love), Cacique Guaicaipuro (an Indian Venezuelan chief who formed a power coalition against the Spanish) and Negro Felipe. These three form the “Tres Potencias” (three powers) in Venezuela's heavenly court.

I suppose devotees of these icons may be vexed by my calling these potent folk religious symbols, charming kitsch eye candy.. but I mean no disrespect. Honestly. I am a student of how the power of myths enrich our lives. I believe that metaphors often reveal more truth and subtlety of meaning than the straight facts can. And this is the muse of art.

All these photos were taken by me while I was wandering around the trendy barrio Malasaña. A haven for university hipsters and party-goers, this barrio is choked full of the 3 Bs: bars, boutiques, and botellóns. However, Malasaña is not just a spot for boozy nights, it's also home to stylish murals and cool storefronts, some of which I photographed and will share with you tomorrow.

In the meantime, I wish you all a happy Friday!

related: Malasaña Street Art

You make me want to put a gun to my head

Photo of this strikingly dramatic mural was taken by me in Malasaña right outside Metro Tribunal.

Yesterday was Dos the Mayo, the day Madrileños rose up against the French in 1808. We walked around Malasaña and found very little was happening in Plaza Dos de Mayo. So we kept wandering the streets and saw a lot of fun and interesting street art and dolls in window displays. I'll post photos of them next weekend. I don't know this barrio very well so it was a walk full of curious new faces, sights and sounds. A reminder, perhaps, that I should wander outside of my barrio more often...

I'm about to run off to Casa de Campo with some friends for a walk and picnic so I'm just leaving you with a taste of what's to come in my subsequent posts. Stay tuned and come back often.

Happy Sunday!