Editor’s Notes:
Thanks to the invitation from Marc Mascort i Boix, Motionographer® had the opportunity to attend the lecture and roundtable Trasgraffiti – From Vandalism to the Avant-Garde. The event took place in one of the halls of the Museu de l’Art Prohibit, a relatively new addition to Barcelona’s cultural scene. We have to admit, with so many fake museums and cultural scams for tourists, the name Museu de l’Art Prohibit almost made us decide not to go. And what a mistake that would have been! The space is beautiful, and the event was a 10 out of 10.
AN UNMISSABLE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE FOR ART LOVERS AND INNOVATORS
The Museu de l’Art Prohibit in Barcelona proudly announced the launch of an innovative artistic movement: Trasgraffiti – From Vandalism to the Avant-Garde. The event, which took place on Wednesday, October 30, featured a series of lectures and discussions on the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of graffiti and its evolving forms. The distinguished Dr. Louis-Pierre Boivin presented his academic research on this topic, exploring the complex distinctions between graffiti, street art, urban art, and muralism. Through a keynote lecture and a roundtable with renowned artists, the event introduced the concept of Trasgraffiti, an innovative movement that challenges traditional definitions of urban art. The esteemed cultural manager Marc Mascort i Boix moderated the session, fostering a critical dialogue on the evolution of graffiti in contemporary art.
“100 Shutters” by MVIN. The artist painted 100 shutters to make each one a part, properly proportioned, of a bigger version of what would be one of his graffitis.
LECTURE AND DISCUSSION: Unpacking the Essence of Trasgraffiti
Since the early 2000s, the popularity of “street art” sparked a wave of interest in urban art and muralism. However, this rapid institutionalization also led to widespread confusion regarding the distinctions between graffiti and these newer practices. For “purist” graffiti writers, urban art and muralism did not reflect the subversive, anti-commercial values intrinsic to true graffiti.
Graffiti piece by Martín Sawe, January 2024. This is a good example of graffiti presented in a legal format. Nowadays, big cities tend to let citizens freely paint in some spaces, like in this case, in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona.
In this context, a fresh movement subtly emerged within the contemporary art world. Dr. Boivin’s lecture provided insights into this evolution, differentiating between these concepts and delving into Trasgraffiti—a term that redefined the artistic value of graffiti as it transitioned toward a more complex and elevated form of expression.
Installation view of Marti Sawe’s art show ‘Locked Items’ at Piramidón Centre in Barcelona. Marti Sawe is a multidisciplinary artist that tends to integrate the formal aspects of his graffiti practice into his art production. The exhibition is running until November 12th, 2024.
FEATURED ARTISTS: Voices of the Trasgraffiti Movement
The event also featured three influential artists who exemplified the values of Trasgraffiti through their work and creative journeys. Each artist brought a unique perspective, blending techniques and themes that expanded the public’s understanding of graffiti and urban art.
Installation view of Alsino Skowronnek’s art show »A Hard Problem« at Manifesto Barcelona, November 2023. Skowronnek’s work filters the practice of graffiti tagging into AI generated imagery which serves as the base of his minimal abstract paintings. Courtesy of the artist.
• Martí Sawe: A Catalan artist with roots in graffiti, illustration, and animation, Sawe integrated his urban origins into vibrant, high-energy pieces that captured the dynamism of city life.
• Alsino Skowronnek: A German painter exploring the intersection between physical and digital art. Living between Berlin and Barcelona, Skowronnek merged digital tools with traditional techniques, questioning the boundaries between the two realms.
• Bertrand Main: A French multidisciplinary conceptual artist based in Barcelona, Main created provocative works that addressed social and cultural themes, pushing the limits of traditional art forms with a critical and incisive approach.
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