Many visitors fall in love with the street art of Barcelona and want to take a piece of it home. But how do you buy art that was painted on a wall or on rubbish next to the bins? Here is a short guide.
1. Buy directly from the artist
The best way to buy street art is straight from the artist. You get an original, the money goes to the person who made it, and you know the work is real. Art Is Trash, the alias of Francisco de Pájaro, sells his work through his official website:
- Original paintings on canvas – signed, one-of-a-kind pieces
- Works on paper – drawings and paintings, a good first purchase
- Prints – affordable editions of well-known motifs
- Sculptures – his trash characters in a lasting form
2. Visit galleries in the old town
El Born and the Gothic Quarter have small galleries that show urban and contemporary art. Gallery shows are also a great chance to meet artists in person. Check the Art Is Trash exhibitions page to see where his work is on show.
3. Books and signed editions
A book is a great souvenir and much easier to carry than a canvas. The Art Is Trash book tells the life story of Francisco de Pájaro, from Zafra to Barcelona. Read more in our post about the signed Art Is Trash book.
Tips before you buy
- Ask for a signature or certificate when you buy an original.
- Check the size: canvases from Barcelona can travel, but plan the transport.
- Be careful with cheap "street art" souvenirs in tourist shops – most are not by the artists.
- For commissions or questions, use the contact page of Art Is Trash.
Want to know more about the artist first? Read Art Is Trash: The Barcelona Street Artist Who Turns Rubbish into Art.
