Francisco de Pájaro: The Artist Who Transforms Trash Into Art
Born in 1970 in Zafra, Spain, Francisco de Pájaro is a visionary street artist whose work has revolutionized urban art. Under the alias Art Is Trash, he transforms discarded objects into bold, provocative statements about society. His journey from a small town in Spain to international recognition is a story of resilience, raw creativity, and an unflinching critique of the world around him.
From Humble Beginnings to Artistic Freedom
Francisco’s passion for art began in 1990 in his hometown of Zafra, where he balanced his creative pursuits with various labor-intensive jobs. These early experiences gave him firsthand insight into the struggles of the working class—a recurring theme in his art.
In 1993, he attended the School of Applied Art in Mérida, Badajoz, but left after just over a year, disillusioned by its rigidity. Returning to Zafra, he co-founded Rotuletto, a company specializing in signage and decorative painting. Despite this venture’s success, Francisco longed for greater freedom in his work.
In 2002, he left it all behind and moved to London, determined to dedicate himself entirely to art. The transition was challenging, and feeling out of place, he eventually left the city. A visit to Barcelona in 2003 marked a turning point, and he decided to stay. While struggling with precarious jobs, he began nurturing the artistic identity that would later become Art Is Trash.
The Birth of Art Is Trash
By 2009, a combination of personal frustrations and societal crises culminated in Francisco’s decision to bring his art to the streets. Spain was in the grip of an economic crisis, censorship of public expression was widespread, and art galleries rejected his unconventional work. These challenges gave rise to Art Is Trash, a persona that rebels against the establishment through art.
Using trash bags, broken furniture, and street debris, Francisco began creating raw, visceral works directly in public spaces. “Trash reveals the truth,” he explains. “It reflects what society discards, what it doesn’t value, and what it tries to ignore.”
His art is spontaneous, instinctive, and deeply emotional. By rejecting academic technicalities, Francisco focuses on delivering simple, powerful messages that provoke reflection and dialogue.
Art That Speaks to Society
Francisco views art as a revolutionary tool. “Painting and sculpture are the mother of all arts—they are tools of war,” he says. His work critiques consumerism, corruption, and inequality, exposing the flaws of modern society in ways that are both humorous and unsettling.
What sets his work apart is its impermanence. Most of his creations disappear within hours, reflecting the fleeting nature of materialism and modern life. This ephemerality adds urgency to his message, emphasizing the need for immediate action and reflection.
From the Streets to Galleries
Though rooted in the streets, Francisco’s art has found a place in galleries. Today, he is a permanent artist at the Artevistas Gallery in Barcelona, where his works are celebrated for their authenticity and raw power.
Visitors can experience his work in person at Artevistas, a hub for contemporary art in Barcelona. Find the gallery easily on Google Maps.
Explore Francisco’s World
To delve deeper into Francisco’s art and philosophy, visit these platforms:
A Revolutionary Vision
Francisco de Pájaro’s Art Is Trash is more than art—it’s a manifesto for change. His journey from labor-intensive jobs in Zafra to the streets of Barcelona and international acclaim is a testament to his resilience and authenticity.
“Now, living from art is my prize,” Francisco says. His work challenges us to see beauty in the discarded and reflect on the values we hold dear. Through his raw and unfiltered creations, he urges us to confront societal flaws and imagine a better future.
Experience Francisco de Pájaro’s transformative art in person at the Artevistas Gallery or online at ArtIsTrash.es.
