The Catalan capital has once again made history in the world of urban art. In the latest edition of the Street Art Cities awards, which honor artistic expression in urban environments, Barcelona has stood out with the mural ‘Crianza’, nominated as one of the best in the world in 2023. This distinction is part of the global recognition of excellence in street art.
The prestigious award, given by what calls itself “the largest urban art community in the world”, has included a total of 26 Spanish works among the shortlisted entries. This recognition highlights the significant contribution of Spanish artists to the international urban art scene.
Mural ‘Crianza’: a fusion of urban art and religious space
The mural created by the visual artist and muralist Octavi Arrizabalaga, known as Aryz, has captured the attention of the jury and the public. The work, located inside the Basilica del Pi, is a unique fusion of contemporary art and religious symbolism.
With impressive dimensions of 14 meters, the mural is located on the main altar of the basilica, generating controversy and debate about the intersection of urban art and the sacred environment.
The piece ‘Crianza’ has defied traditional barriers by incorporating urban art in a religious space, an initiative that arose from the collaboration between the artist, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi and the center specialized in urban art in Barcelona, B-Murales.
Although the work generated some discomfort among conservative sectors, its recognition as one of the best murals of the year underscores the importance of challenging conventions and exploring new forms of artistic expression.
The History of ‘Crianza’ and its impact on Barcelona
The idea of introducing urban art inside a religious building such as the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi was born in early 2023. The parish and B-Murales, a center specialized in street art in Barcelona, joined forces to carry out this unique initiative.
The collaboration came about after a graffiti artist left his signature on the walls of the basilica, marking the beginning of a dialogue between two seemingly distant worlds.
Other Spanish cities in the list of nominees
In addition to Barcelona, several Spanish cities have made their mark on the list of the best graffiti in the world in 2023. Mérida has stood out with ‘Eulalia’, nominated for the Innovation Award, a mural depicting the patron saint of the city.
In Castro del Río, Córdoba, ‘Don Quixote and Sancho Panza’ has earned a place on the list, while Ondarroa, Bizkaia, has been recognized with the work ‘Gabriel’, by Belgian artist Djoels.
Madrid has also contributed significantly with murals such as ‘RE-VS’ and ‘Pride’, both by the art collective Boa Mistura, which reflect on the virtual and the real.
