Art Is Trash vs. El Pez – Two Icons of Barcelona Street Art with Very Different Stories
Barcelona’s streets are an open-air gallery. From the vibrant alleys of El Raval to the post-industrial walls of Poblenou, the city is alive with murals, paste-ups, and sculptures that speak to the city’s creative soul. Among the many artists who have left their mark here, two names stand out as modern legends: Art Is Trash and El Pez. Both are unmistakable in style, deeply rooted in Barcelona’s urban culture, yet they represent two very different artistic worlds.
Who is Art Is Trash?
Art Is Trash is the alter ego of Spanish artist Francisco de Pájaro, originally from Zafra but now based in Barcelona. His work is anarchic, raw, and often made from discarded materials he finds on the street. Broken furniture, old mattresses, and random trash are transformed into grotesque yet comical figures. For Art Is Trash, the street is both his canvas and his stage, and his choice of materials is part of the message: society’s waste turned into fleeting works of art.
His pieces are spontaneous, often appearing overnight and disappearing within days. This impermanence is intentional—an act of rebellion against the commercialization of art. Themes like consumerism, inequality, and the absurdity of modern life run through his work, but always with a touch of humor that makes people stop, smile, and think.
Who is El Pez?
In contrast, El Pez (Spanish for “The Fish”) brings a different kind of energy to the streets. Born José Sabaté in Barcelona, El Pez began painting in the mid-1990s and quickly became known for his signature smiling fish character. This fish, with its huge grin and vivid colors, has become one of the most recognizable symbols in European street art.
El Pez’s work is bright, positive, and rooted in a philosophy of spreading happiness. His murals explode with color—yellows, blues, pinks, and greens—creating a visual language that feels both universal and optimistic. While Art Is Trash’s work is raw and fleeting, El Pez’s murals are often large-scale, long-lasting, and sought after by collectors and festivals around the world.
Artistic Styles – Chaos vs. Color
Comparing the two, Art Is Trash thrives in chaos. His work is unpredictable, unpolished, and often three-dimensional, interacting with the street in ways that make it part of the city’s fabric. His figures look alive, as if they could walk away at any moment, and the use of real trash creates a raw, almost punk energy.
El Pez, on the other hand, brings a sense of order and repetition through his iconic fish motif. His style is rooted in clean lines, bold outlines, and harmonious color palettes. While Art Is Trash challenges viewers with satire, El Pez invites them into a world of joy and childlike wonder.
Social Messages – Satire vs. Positivity
Art Is Trash’s work is filled with social critique. He addresses the problems of waste culture, political hypocrisy, and social inequality. His art speaks in a language of irony, sometimes mocking, sometimes playful, but always questioning.
El Pez approaches from the opposite end of the spectrum. His goal is to bring joy, to spread a smile as a universal symbol that transcends language. While less overtly political, his art is powerful in its optimism, reminding viewers that beauty and happiness can be found in everyday life.
The Barcelona Connection
Both artists are deeply tied to Barcelona’s street art scene. Art Is Trash finds inspiration in the city’s discarded objects and transient urban moments, often creating in neighborhoods like Poblenou and El Raval. El Pez’s murals can be found in various districts, brightening the city’s industrial walls and abandoned spaces.
Barcelona’s openness to creative expression has allowed both artists to flourish, even though they work in vastly different ways. The city has embraced them as part of its cultural identity, and both have gone on to exhibit internationally—London, New York, Paris, Berlin—while still keeping Barcelona as their spiritual home.
Online Presence and Where to Find Their Work
If you want to explore more of Art Is Trash, check his official links:
For El Pez, you can follow his colorful journey here:
Final Thoughts – Two Visions, One City
Comparing Art Is Trash and El Pez is like comparing fire and sunshine. One is chaotic, sharp, and unpredictable, the other warm, bright, and comforting. Both are essential voices in the conversation of what street art can be.
For the street art enthusiast visiting Barcelona, the experience isn’t complete without seeking out both. You’ll leave with your phone full of photos, your mind buzzing with ideas, and maybe, just maybe, a smile on your face that rivals El Pez’s fish—or the wry grin of an Art Is Trash character.