Painting in La Bañeza:
In August 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting La Bañeza, a charming rural town in northern Spain, near the city of León. I was invited by Art Aero Rap, the organization responsible for coordinating street art in La Bañeza, and they have been doing an outstanding job for over twelve years. This small, sleepy town transforms every summer with their annual painting and music festival, attracting artists from across Spain and infusing the town with quality art work.
Art Aero Rap works closely with town officials and local businesses to manage everything from funding to logistics for mural projects. The result is an impressive open-air gallery, where almost every central street boasts a number of murals. You can even spot remnants of past graffiti jams, with wild styles, euros, 3D pieces, and more.
Before arriving in La Bañeza, I had little idea of what to expect, as it wasn’t a place I had ever come across my painting radar. Upon meeting the organizers, I was shown the wall I was to paint. Although I had already designed my piece, it was a special moment to see the wall in person. I have a little ritual where I touch the wall when I see it for the first time, giving it a gentle pat to get a feel for what it will be like to paint there
I had requested a small wall for a specific reason: I wanted to be more precise and add more detail to my work. A smaller wall is more manageable, especially considering time constraints and unpredictable materials. I was pleased with the setup, as the lift was the perfect size and all the paint was ready. I started my work early the next morning.
My plan was to work long days, but the intense sun forced me to take a siesta at 2:30 PM each day. I would return to the wall at 8 PM and work until 10 PM. This schedule worked well for me. I was able to work efficiently in the mornings when I was fresh and focused, then spend the afternoons indoors, reviewing what I had painted and planning adjustments for the evening and next day.
The local residents were wonderful. Unlike in some places where street art is frowned upon, the people of La Bañeza were supportive and welcoming. They brought me food, water, beer, and most importantly, smiles and thank-yous. This warm reception made my time there very pleasant and relaxed. The organizers were incredibly hospitable, inviting me into their homes to rest and cook, for which I am very grateful. Their kindness and support contributed significantly to my positive experience.
The piece I painted was titled "Warriors in the Garden," inspired by the saying, "It’s better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war." This quote interests me, as it speaks to the importance of being strong and capable while maintaining peace. It suggests that we should prepare for challenges while cherishing and respecting our peaceful environment. In today's context, I interpret this as a call for us to be strong and capable through science and technology, using our knowledge to maintain peace in the garden of our world.
The final piece turned out great, and I was very pleased with it. My entire experience in La Bañeza was just ace, and I felt fortunate to be in such a wonderful place with such good people. There is already talk of next year’s event, so we’ll see what the future holds. A big thank you to Art Aero Rap and the whole town of La Bañeza for an unforgettable experience.
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