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As my trip around South America was coming to an end, I was looking forward to spending a couple of days walking around Cartagena. I wanted to see how the Cartagena street art scene had changed since last time I visited. A few of the murals I saw then are still around, but there was a lot of new pieces thanks mostly to the Ciudad Mural street art festival which took place in the neighbourhood of Getsemaní last December.
This was the first edition of the festival. The event organisers invited 40 artists, both locals and from abroad, to paint 35 murals that would celebrate Getsemaní’s historical heritage. These are some of my favourite works, enjoy!
This massive colourful mural by Colombian artist DEXS is impossible to miss if you walk on Calle de la Sierpe. Almost right next to it, there is this beautiful work by DJ Lu. I remember first seeing his works on the streets of Bogota a couple of years ago, it’s fascinating to see how his art has evolved and become even more interesting.
Nearby on Plaza de la Trinidad, there were the following two pieces which I loved! The first one features a black bird called Maria Mulata, which is the official bird of Cartagena. It’s a gorgeous piece by Colombian artist Yurika, to see more about how it was created check out his page. Next, on the wooden doors of a bar is La Heroica, a stencil art piece by London-based artist Fin DAC.
The next two pieces are by Colombian artist Ceroker. I loved his style of simple shapes and bright colours. The first mural is right across Plaza del Pozo and the second one can be found in Calle Larga.
Not too far from there, I was pleased to find this colourful mural by Catalan artist Pez. The first time I saw some of his works was when I used to live in Barcelona and the city was covered in his characteristic Happy Style. Since then, I’ve seen his murals in lots of places, but never in Cartagena.
Finally, on the broad Playa Pedregosa street there’s a collection of several murals. My favourites were the ones by AMBS and La Plaga, both pictured below.
For those who’d like to know more about Getsemaní’s historical heritage and current struggle with gentrification, I’d recommend you watch this video. Also, on the last part you’ll find the full collection of murals of the street art festival Ciudad Mural.
If you want to see more photos from Cartagena, have a look at my gallery.
Have you been to Cartagena? What did you think of its street art scene? Leave a comment, I’d love to know!
Bianca I’m speechless! I’ve never seen street art quite like these murals. They are so colorful and full of life, I love them! :)
Ciao, Franca! You’d definitely love Cartagena, and Colombia! It’s an amazingly colourful place. I hope you get to see it one day :)
This is an amazing collection of street art, Bianca! A black bird Maria Mulata is my favorite mural here. I’ve just discovered your blog… I love street art. I’ll be back :)
Thanks for your kind words! I’m glad you like it and that you’re also a street art fanatic. I’m going to be posting more about South American urban art, so stay tuned ;)
Cartagena does have some awesome street art, that’s for sure. Visually, it’s a stunning city – but honestly, I wasn’t a fan of it at all. All the touts constantly hassling people with products that NOBODY would ever need there, plus rude locals and racially-profiling cops, made it my least favourite place to visit during my month in Colombia. At least I got some nice pics out of it though, and your photos here are great!
Thanks, Tom! I know that Cartagena can be harsh sometimes, after visiting a few times the initial sparkle of the city does fade. Also, costeños (people from the coast) are a bit more in your face and messier than people inland; but I haven’t experience yet someone being rude to me there. Less polite, maybe; but not rude.
That said, the last couple of times I’ve visited, I’ve enjoyed a lot the vibe of Getsemaní; where working class locals and foreigners mix. I hope the neighbourhood can keep its character and doesn’t fall victim of gentrification…
I love, love, love these! So colourful and unique – each and every one of them :)
Thanks, Lizzie! I’m really glad you like them :)
Que chulo! Lovely pictures here. My favourite is the bird. That would make a bad-ass tattoo. ha!
Thanks, Anna! I love the one with the bird as well and believe me, it’s even more impressive when you see it in person :)
Wow, Bianca, this street art is amazing!!! I love street art and is something I search for in every city I visit. Totally including this in my blogs best picks =)
Hola, Ryan! I’m glad you enjoyed my post :) It’s always nice to hear back from people who are as obsessed with street art as I am! And thanks so much for including my post in your weekly round-up!
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These murals are amazing. What great work and gorgeous colors. Great photos.
Thanks, Letty! I’m glad to see that you’re as impressed as me with the colourful street art of Cartagena :)
Wow, some seriously colorful stuff!
Agreed! But I guess they have to, otherwise how could they match the colourful character of Cartagena? :) Thanks for stopping by!
[…] of which you can find in the neighborhood of Getsemani, just outside the old city. Some of the best murals I’ve ever seen are strewn about the neighborhood, untagged and preserved […]
[…] was happy to see that street art in Cartagena is growing and getting bolder. The place to go to see some impressive murals in Cartagena is the […]