98) Street Struck

Earlier today I had the pleasure of attending a small party thrown at Tallulah B. Atelier by ubercool owner Claudia and her boyfriend, street artist Zosen. I’d gone to his exhibit opening at Galeria CMTV earlier this month, so I was excited to meet him in person. It’s not everyday a fan of street art like me gets to meet an international artist like him. He and Claudia have a Barcelona-based clothing line called Animal Bandido that’s wonderfully loud and reflective of urban street art.

At one point Zosen and I had a conversation (mini aside: it was such a pleasure meeting him! completely down to earth and eager to chat) about street art culture in the US versus in Spain. He noted that in the US, street art has evolved from an illicit act into a mainstream market. The works of famous street artists such as Banksy are now protected by cities instead of painted over. Another example: in LA earlier this year, a Banksy piece appeared on the side of a metal panel on La Brea. A couple days later, it had been cut out by someone who undoubtedly sold it for a hefty sum. In the US, street art is now auctioned off for millions.

In Spain, Zosen said that street artists still have to watch their backs. He mentioned Franco’s reign, and a lingering culture of oppression. Ironically, I feel like Barcelona is brimming with street art, whereas in LA, it’s confined to certain areas. Perhaps by pursuing street artists, Spain only fuels the original spirit and passion of street art.