The neighbourhood of El Cabanyal in Valencia has some great street art and is well worth a visit. Photos by Matt Fox-Tucker of Buenos Aires Street Art.
Mural by Argentine artist Hyuro close to Valencia-Cabanyal station
El Cabanyal is a working class neighbourhood on the outskirts of Valencia that was once a fishing village. Its characterised by its charm, crumbling buildings decorated with ceramic tiles and proximity to the beach. Its name is derived from the complex of barracks along the coast where the fishermen once used to live.
Run-down houses in El Cabanyal
In 1993, El Cabanyal was declared a site of cultural importance and from 1998 the neighbourhood was threatened by a government project to demolish more than 1,650 houses, including many centuries-old dwellings, to make way for a new avenue along Avenida Blasco Ibáñez. Residents had to survive threats of eviction and the demolition of their homes before a campaign led by local activists managed to block the plan in the courts.
Hyuro mural relating to conservation v modernisation on Avenida Blasco Ibáñez
Argentine-born artist Hyuro painted this mural on a wall that would have been one of the first to be demolished if the project had gone ahead. It deals with the clash between conservation versus modernisation.
Brushwork details by Ericailcane
Visiting El Cabanyal at the end of 2019, I was lucky to check out a stunning new mural by Italian artist Ericailcane during the VLC Urban Festival Barris en Moviment.
Mural by Italian artist Ericailcane in El Cabanyal
This artwork by Ericailcane appears to show moths catching fire after flying into a flame ascending out of a chimney. It can be found on the corner of Calle del Progreso and Calle de los Pescadores.
Collaboration by XLF Collective including Nemo, Julieta XLF and Barbi
A mural by the XLF Collective refers to ‘Passat’, Present and ‘Futur’ also drawing attention to the plight and situation of families living in the area who have been faced with eviction or finding new homes due to rising house prices.
Another artwork by Italian street artist Ericailcane
A second mural by Ericailcane featuring a boxing cat wearing a championship belt that includes the inscription “A la intemperie” ‘(To the elements’). Perhaps referring to the struggle of the local residents against the government plans to bulldoze the ‘barrio’.
Ericailcane mural on the side of an old house on Calle de los Pescadores
Mural by Spanish artist Concreto at on Calle Jose Benlliure
In the last few years, El Cabanyal has become a hotspot for street art and graffiti thanks to some urban art festivals including Poliniza Dos organised by the Polytechnic University of Valencia inviting international and local artists such as Hyuro, Fran Bosoletti (Argentina) and Lula Goce (Barcelona) to paint murals here.
Mural by Spanish artist Lula Goce (photo © BA Street Art)
Mural painted by Lula Goce at Poliniza Dos street art festival in September 2017.
Mural by Argentine artist Francisco Bosoletti
Argentine artist Francisco Bosoletti also visited Valencia in 2017 and painted this mural entitled ‘Protégeme’ (‘Protect Me’).
Mural on Calle Padre Luis Navarro
Mural by Lolo relating to fishing on Avenida Blasco Ibáñez
Some artists like Lolo have chosen to reflect the history of El Cabanyal in their stencils and designs.
Lettering with name of the neighbourhood and social housing in Cabanyal
Some parts of the neighbourhood still feel neglected including this huge social housing complex located a few blocks from the beach.
Geometric design by Italian artist Emmeu on Avenida Blasco Ibáñez opposite mural by Hyuro
Graffiti by Dime, Freskales and Soezes in an abandoned lot
Pieces by graffiti artists including Dime, Freskales Soezes and Yeko
Mural by Nena Wapa Wapa in Plaza de los Angeles
The first edition of the urban art festival VLC Barris en Moviment in 2016 saw murals relating to gender equality painted in the neighbourhoods of Grau as well as Cabanyal. This artwork by Nena Wapa Wapa in Plaza de los Angeles features two children with a wheelbarrow and a giant key in it plus a series of cages with a bird escaping.
Mural by Iris Serrano relating to women’s rights on Calle Juan de Mercader
Iris Serrano painted a mural during Igualment Fest 2017 with the phrase “Som marea, Som la revolució necessària. (“We are the tide. We are the necessary revolution”.)
Mural by Lyly painted in October 2019
Window decorated with gnomes
Along and around Calle de Sol there are also a number of cool but smaller artworks including one by Toni Espinar with the message “Love is Respect” as well as a window decorated with gnomes featuring a landscape and woodland.
Artwork by Toni Espinar
Mini artworks featuring people and cats
Building with blocked up close to Valencia-Cabanyal station with windows painted by Baga & Twis
To see our guide to the best street art in other parts of Valencia including the city centre, old town and El Carmen click here
All photos © Buenos Aires Street Art
