Introduction EOI L’Hospitalet and EOI La Seu d’Urgell are state-funded language schools in Catalonia, Spain. They have both participated in an eTwinning project to connect their adult students learning English at B2 and C1 CEFR levels. The topic to explore is Street Art. This is part of a two-year wider eTwinning school project about Interculturality (2020-2022). We invite you to explore our projects and to contact us if you are part of a school with adult students and would like to work on other eTwinning projects with us, or if you have any questions. EOI L’Hospitalet website EOI La Seu d’Urgell website eTwinning project website Year 1 Art Project: The American Dream Year 2 Art Project: Street Art
La Seu d'Urgell is a town located in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees in Spain, and is the gateway to the country of Andorra. It has a population of approximately 12,000 inhabitants. Its name comes from Latin and it means the cathedral of Urgell.
[Image: Catedral de Santa Maria, La Seu d'Urgell. Autor: Ferran Llorens. CC BY-SA 2.0]
L’Hospitalet de Llobregat is located in the immediate southwest of Barcelona and it is part of its Metropolitan Area. By population, it is the second largest city in Catalonia with over 270,000 inhabitants. The city's reputation is largely still drawing on its proletarian origins and its reliance on Barcelona. [Image: Cultural centre Tecla Sala. Former cotton factory. Photo: Ruben Alcaraz]
Sort is a village of over 2,000 inhabitants. It is in the Pyrenees and its name means “luck” in Catalan. There are small narrow streets and old houses. Sort is a paradise for lovers of rafting and kayaking, as well as winter sports. [Images: Àlex Graupera]
Phoenix Torrents d’Art programme CSMIJ Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona
A stunning phoenix is represented in a traditional way. The artist shows the mastery of the classical technique of painting, letting us know that this is not just a typical graffiti (tagging type). For sure they know classical history and art theory. I’ve chosen this piece because this one is my favourite from the set of those painted on the façade of a mental institution. Phoenix is a mythological creature that represents being reborn. So this piece of art, in particular, is a way to destigmatize mental problems and issues; as it implies that everyone can cope with their problems. Needless to say, I love the way it is represented. The combination of red and gold represents the fire of life, spreading its wings to fly away. The colours contrast with the blue background. So, it pushes me to keep on living and never give up. If we crumble, we can put all the pieces back together again. Laura H - EOI LS
Game Changer Banksy Southampton, United Kingdom
In this scene represented by Banksy we can see a child playing with a toy in the air as if it is a superhero. The toy is a nurse doll who wears a mask and a superhero’s cape. Children represent innocence, joy of living and also hope. In this picture we can see a new model of the idea of heroism that has appeared in our society; we can also appreciate some broken stereotypes in gender roles as it is a young boy who’s playing with it, admiring the nurse as a superheroine. It has very simple colours on it, as it is made mainly in black and white, but the red detail of the coloured red cross highlights the representation of nursery in this creative piece of art. Caterina Saman Flores - EOI L’H
Grandfather Manuel Portero Belianes, Lleida, Catalonia
This piece of street art is by Manuel Portero and was painted in 2016 during the GARA-GARA Festival held in Penelles ( Lleida). An impressive painting more than twelve metres high welcomes us from a brick façade. At first sight, you can see an old man observing us from high above rather than being watched. The artist combines a very realistic face and shirt with a disturbing cardigan in cold colours. His wrinkled face and a background in hot colours vividly contrast with the rest of the painting. I’ve chosen this piece because it reminds me of my grandfather and his warm smile always with a cigar between his teeth and wearing a hat. We can see the shadows of some trees. They may be fruit trees at dawn, which for me means the hope that a new day can bring us. Maria Eugènia Gómez - EOI LS
Not one more Afocer, Els Castellers, Jovent de la Forja and 12 more Cerdanyola, Spain
This image is a part of a mural with more than twelve different paintings with the motto of ‘not one more’, where artists wanted to show opposition to gender-based violence. This mural was painted in 2014. I have chosen this image because in it the artist wanted to show that gender-based violence is common to all races and all religions.
Montse Muñoz - EOI L’H
Horrid Situation My Dog Sighs (Paul Stone) Cardiff, UK
Which is the goal of street art? What does the author pretend with such paintings? The answer is obvious, make people stop and think. This is the reason why I’ve chosen this painting among other possibilities, because this image makes me think of human absurdity. The painting represents a big Ukraine flag with an amazing eye in the middle, which appears to be crying. Furthermore, the pupil has the St Basil's Cathedral of Moscow painted, symbolizing the tear’s reasons for falling. The tear speaks for itself. After finding this painting I’ve have been researching the author and I recommend you to have a look on his website. As you will see, he is an expert on painting eyes that leave you captivated. Montse Ballbè - CPD Sort
Tribute to Pau Donés JLG.Arte Sant Martí de Provençals, Barcelona
In this painting we can see a portrait of Pau Donés. He was a singer of a famous Catalan group, Jarabe de Palo. He recently passed away after a long disease. He had a strong character and he was fighting until the very end. Fighting not to lose ‘Love’ (Amor), as is shown on his fist. I reckon the author has chosen blue as the background colour to tell us Pau must be in heaven right now. He wants to contrast the strength of the character with the softness of the background. Finally, I would point out the tally marks, as seen in prisons. They may mean that with these diseases, time passes differently. Miquel Pedrós - EOI L’H
The City of Roses Kaligrafics (collective work) Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona
This mural was painted in 2010 by different members of Kaligrafics, a neighbourhood association. On the left, you can see an old man, Pere Dot, and around him there are roses of different shapes, sizes and colours. Pere Dot was a very important rose breeder last century. He loved roses and worked with them. He made hybridization experiments on roses and introduced new methods to achieve this. Pere Dot presented his roses in different international competitions and won numerous prizes. He created at least 180 different roses. I have chosen this mural because it reminds me of the happy and colourful days of the National Rose Exhibition in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, where I live. It is a very important weekend because there are a lot of different activities about roses. During those days, the town smells of roses and you can see more than 250 different rose varieties. Esther Fortes - EOI L’H
Submarine Intelligence Artist Unknown Torreferrussa Street Art Festival, 2018
I don't know exactly why I have chosen this piece of art. Maybe because while I was looking for some ideas this one caught my eye. This piece uses a thought-provoking metaphor. The octopus is one of the most intelligent animals, but also one of the most appreciated see food dishes. In the center of the picture there is an octopus drawing and painting different fish, some of them quite realistic. This is a smart metaphor to represent its intelligence. This composition is also very colorful and full of life, with many details that transport the observer as if they were in the middle of the sea. Finally, there is an important detail at the top of the graffiti; a message in a bottle. What can be written in this message? I hope it will be a message asking to protect the oceans, it is not too late. Cristina Cereza - CPD Sort
Follow your Dreams, Cancelled Banksy Boston, United States
In the centre of the image there’s a message which says, “Follow your dreams” and upon it there’s a red banner warning that it has been “cancelled”. Next to it a worker, who seems exhausted, is holding roller paper and a bucket in his left hand and a brush in his right hand, it seems that he has put up the “cancelled” poster. I’ve chosen it because it’s a powerful and thought-provoking image made with the typical painting technique of Banksy. It symbolizes that not everyone has the possibility of choosing the future that they desire, between a person and his objectives there can be different hurdles like class status, racism, financial issues, illness, the zone where one live… so it’s necessary to avoid having prejudices towards the others and asses our situation in the right degree. Pau Colom Andreva, EOI LS
Wallace and Gromit Cheo Bristol, United Kingdom
This artwork of Wallace and Gromit is a memory of our past. This cartoon represents one of the most popular stop-motion comedies and one of the icons of modern art in Bristol. In the first instance, we can see a dog, Gromit, talking on his telephone and a man, Wallace, is just smiling. However, there is more meaning behind this graffiti. These characters are made with plasticine and filmed in stop-motion. One of the reasons why I have chosen this painting is because it brings memories to my mind. Furthermore, when children and adults watch their movies laughter is guaranteed. Finally, I have selected this graffiti because it is precise and colorful and takes part in one of the best periods in our lives. Esther Orenga - EOI L’H
Queen Victoria Banksy Los Angeles, 2006
This piece of street art is by Banksy. In this graffiti, Banksy shows us the hypocrisy of Queen Victoria throughout her reign. She spread puritanism as a doctrine but she practiced all kinds of perversions secretly. Queen Victoria is wearing stockings and pumps while she is having sex with another woman. She carries the scepter in her hand and the crown on her head, both symbols of power. I’ve chosen this piece because it reminds me of the current situation in politics. Hypocrisy is unfortunately something usual in our day to day.
Conchi Araujo - EOI L’H
The Phone Shop 3Dom and Haka Bristol, UK
This piece of street art was apparently made by two artists called 3Dom and Haka, from Bristol. I have chosen this piece of art because I was searching for a graffiti that appealed to me in the creative area, and this one does. These artists try to get the attention of possible customers showing a lot of mobile apps with their icon or logo. For example, we can see the logos of Skype and Instagram. This strategy is very good because it stands out, and customers don’t shop in rival stores.
Susana Corral Barragán - EOI L’H
Rosalia and Friends Rosalia painted by Uriginal Barcelona
Rosalia and friends could be the title of this graffiti. Although it seems to be an eclectic mix of different styles, famous and anonymous people, funny cartoons and science fiction elements, it shows a combination of different characters that work well together and are represented on this wall and they convey good feelings. It is hidden in the middle of Creu Coberta Street near Plaça d’Espanya in Barcelona. The main focal point is Rosalia’s image which is the only one signed by Uriginal, a young artist. The rest of the artists are unknown. It is said that even Rosalia knew about this picture and congratulated the author. I have to confess that my favourite part is the couple in the corner that, even when painted in dark colours, evokes what real love should be, and reminds humanity of how necessary love in our lives is. It brings light to darkness. Eva Díaz - EOI L’H
Couple Kissing Artist unknown Bellcaire d’Urgell, Lleida
This piece of street art is by an unknown artist. It is painted in Bellcaire d’Urgell, a small town near Lleida. However, the author of the original photography in which it is based is Lluís Olivé Bulbena. This overwhelming graffiti shows a couple kissing each other behind a bar code. It is painted on the wall of an abandoned house. The painting is thought-provoking, as it makes us think about love between couples. Besides, I reckon it wants us to wonder about the true love or the love we get after paying money. After all, which is the real love? Carla Roca - EOI LS
Well Hung Lover Banksy Bristol, England
This mural located in Bristol was painted by the famous unknown artist Banksy. It is one of the most important pieces of street art because it was the first legal piece of art in the UK. We can see a couple in a window, and the man is looking for the lover with whom his wife has been unfaithful. The iconic thing is that this work was painted on the side of a sexual health clinic. I’ve chosen this piece of art because of how representative it is. It makes me feel so curious about the context of the painting, and also about how this artist could think about it to express it on a street piece of art. The whole piece itself is like a paradox of real life and of human behaviour and reactions.
Paula León Vizuete - EOI L’H
Urbanization is Killing Us Blu Beograd, Serbia
This artwork is a large graffiti mural located in Beograd called: “Urbanization is killing us.” At first sight it looks like a man eating broccoli but then, we realize that the person’s teeth are buildings and the broccoli is an uprooted tree. I reckon the author wants to symbolize and expose that urbanization is eating and destroying our wilderness. I think this graffiti is thought- provoking. The message is quite clear and from my point of view, it is also effective.
Conchi Araujo - EOI L’H
Turbo Island’s Coral Reef Alex Lucas Bristol, 2017
Remember when Sebastian sang "The human world is a mess. Life under the sea is better than anything else they’ve got up there"? How truthful it has turned out to be. This is exactly what I feel watching this graffiti. First of all, we can see it is situated on the façade of, what it seems, a particular building. Surrounding the main window in the center of the building, we get the enormous picture. Some aquatic animals are swimming displayed in a classical circular composition. Animals such as sharks, jellyfish, crabs, corals, etc. All of them in some very vivid and bright colours. Contrasting with the almost royal bold blue in the background. We can see all of them swimming quietly, without interrupting or attacking each other. At the same time, they glance at us, expecting from us to alter their natural peace. So it makes me think that we are used to watching fish in aquariums and fish bowls. The main point in this particular piece is that, in the way animals are looking at us, we are the ones being observed, contradicting our anthropocentric points of view and making us realize we are not alone in this world. So it is possible that the artist chose the topic to make us ponder over the way we are mistreating our planet and the life in it. Moreover, I'm sure the artist must be a huge fan of The Little Mermaid, as well as I am myself. If not, why is this vision of the marine world so realistic, and yet, so fabulous at the same time? To finish, we must remember that the world and its creatures are beautiful the way they are, just as this graffiti is showing us. Laura H - EOI LS
50 Feet Rapini Seller Yoseba MP Ordes, Galicia
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This mural is located in Ordes, a Galician village. It depicts a typical scene that can be seen on the sides of the road between Coruña and Santiago de Compostela, where many people from that area sell some vegetables that they have cultivated. In order to sell them they put up a sign next to the road, where they announce the product they are selling. Sometimes, the road is teeming with them. As I said you buy vegetables or fruit cultivated by farmers and, as a consequence, not only you buy fresh products but also you give the local farmers extra money. This image represents a giant old lady to emphasize the work that many women in rural areas of Galicia do. It is tough work since many times is handmade, without machines, and the older you are the harder it becomes. It is also a symbolic image because she is wearing a worn-out garment by people who work in agricultural tasks. It reminds me of some years ago, where I usually drive along this road and the hardworking people who earn their living doing that. Adrián Villares - EOI LS
The Harvest and Threshing Season Lily Brik La Fuliola, L’Urgell
This mural, all over a side facade, was painted in 2020 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Harvest and Threshing Fest held in la Fuliola, and it is a tribute to farm labourers. We see a reaper carrying a scythe. In the background some women are gleaning after the harvest. Blue sky, rolled up sleeves and the expression in the man’s face, along with the painting location itself, tell us this work takes place in the scorching Lleida plains in summer time. I have chosen it because of the impact it produces when, while driving across la Fuliola, all of a sudden the amazingly realistic image of the reaper with the scythe on his shoulder appears in front of you on the left side. Indeed, blue and yellow, the warm colours of the field, and the exquisitely detailed figure of the farmer, create such an atmosphere that inevitably catches the observer’s eye. It transports me to the memories of not so distant times when this hard work used to be for these peoples the only way to make a living. Enric Edo - CPD Sort
The Origin Mou Carballo, Galicia
This is an image of a mural in Carballo, a village placed in Galicia. The creator, a local artist, named it “The origin”. From my point of view it is thought-provoking, since, to start with, I don´t know exactly whether it represents a diver or an astronaut. Some villages, like Carballo, started some years ago to celebrate festivals where artists are invited to paint façades of many buildings in order to embellish them. Instead of bricks, locals and visitors can enjoy some images. It reminds me of the fragility of nature, which is a current topic because of the loss of biodiversity, as a consequence, for example, of deforestation. Maybe, in the future, a tree would be something really difficult to see in some areas or countries. As I said, for me this creation is based on the fragility of nature and the main idea is that nature is like a treasure kept in a bottle. That is my interpretation.
Adrián Villares - EOI LS
Alice in Wonderland BKFOXX and @zesoner Penelles, Lleida
This painting is a huge mural located in the Penelles village and it belongs to the festival Gargar, which takes place every year in order to promote the art in rural areas. I can admire an amazing Alicia surrounded by an important amount of details, like flowers, enormous mushrooms or a weird clock. I like the contrast between “real” and “surrealist” objects. I really enjoyed it when I went to visit this painting and the other murals, in spite of the weather being really hot!
Montse Ballbé - CPD Sort
Bulldog @urbanruben The Bushwick Collective Brooklyn, New York
This is the Brooklyn bulldog mural. It is a painting made on a wall. We can see a dog wearing headphones and the house windows appear to be sunglasses. The dog seems to be relaxed and happy while coolly listening to music. It is a huge and hilarious painting. In my opinion, it’s a great picture and it evokes in me a feeling of amazement and freedom. It is also thought-provoking, as it makes people imagine why the author has painted a dog and not another animal. Maybe it’s due to his relationship with these animals.
Carla Roca - CPD Sort
Tipel Factory Arranz-Bravo & Rafael Bartolozzi Parets del Vallès, Barcelona
I guess this was one of the first pieces of street art in our country. This work was commissioned by the owners of the Tipel company to two artists in 1971. It caused controversy because, being so close to a highway, the government said it could cause accidents. The truth was that it was a groundbreaking work of art at that time, and especially for that government. Nowadays, the local council is working so that it can be visited by the public.
Miquel Pedrós - EOI L’H
No to knife crime JPS Bristol, UK
I have chosen this piece of art from Bristol The reason for choosing it is because of the meaning that could evoke to all of us. As far as I’m concerned, drawing two kids represents, at first sight, their innocence; however, the red symbol associated with a prohibition might evoke multiple options. The piece in particular is really well done and designed with a lot of details, such as their physical appearance (hair, face, fingers,etc). Regarding its meaning, we can guess that it’s related to a social and a political context. Thus, we could give a title to the picture such as “Any child is forbidden” what do you think?
Marta Isabel - EOI LS
Frédéric BALDIT
No Title Artist unknown Location unknown
If I’m honest, I’m not an expert in graffiti. I’ve gone to Google and I've looked for one. I’ve chosen this one, due to the Russian war. I can see a grey wall or curtain, and a boy who is unwrapping it. Under the grey appears a colourful screen. It seems to me a sensational way to protest against unhappy moments, things, emotions… And it reminds me of the current situation between Russia and Ukraine. This picture is so thought-provoking and in my opinion I think that if there is a situation you don’t like, try to do whatever you can to change it.
Mireia EOI LS
Frédéric BALDIT
The Phone Shop Author: 3Dom and Haka Bristol (UK)
Frédéric BALDIT
In the image, I can see a building and a phone shop. In fact, it has been decorated in a particular way. We are used to seeing buildings painted with only one colour (monochromatic). Nevertheless, here, there are a lot of logos, such as Shazam, Instagram, Netflix, etc. and, as a consequence, lots of colours. In my view, I was shocked when I saw it and, for this reason, I've chosen it. We're living in a technological era, where applications and gadgets are around us at every single moment in time. When I came across this image, it immediately evoked all this "world", where we can't live without new technologies. To conclude, I think that the way in which the building is painted makes us ponder on many different issues, beyond those of a shop. Anna EOI LS
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