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The Best Cartagena Street Art: Discover the 7 Hidden Gems of the City’s Urban Art Scene

La Carta - Cartagena Culture & Tourism > Popular > The Best Cartagena Street Art: Discover the 7 Hidden Gems of the City’s Urban Art Scene
Published: September 7, 2024 | Last Updated: September 17, 2024
Written By:
Miguel
Administrator
Edited By:
Alejandra Quiroga
VP Marketing
Last updated:
The Best Cartagena Street Art of Cartagena
The Best Cartagena Street Art of Cartagena

Cartagena, a city known for its vibrant culture and rich history, offers much more than colonial architecture and beautiful beaches. It has become a haven for street artists from Colombia and beyond, who have transformed its walls into living canvases. If you’re interested in discovering the best Cartagena street art, this guide will take you on a tour of the most unique murals, their artists, and the stories behind them.

Getsemaní: The Heart of Cartagena’s Street Art

One of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Cartagena, Getsemaní is synonymous with street art. Once a working-class district, Getsemaní has grown into an artistic hub, brimming with vibrant murals that tell stories of resistance, community, and heritage. As you explore the winding streets, you’ll encounter some of the best Cartagena street art, each piece offering insight into the city’s soul.

1.) “Niño Getsemaní” by Angellion86

Niño Getsamani
Niño Getsemani
– Location: Getsemaní

This striking mural, painted by street artist Angellino86, is one of Cartagena’s most captivating pieces of urban art. Located in the vibrant streets of the city, this artwork features a mesmerizing portrait of a young individual whose face is adorned with geometric shapes and bold colors. The piercing golden eyes of the subject draw the viewer in, symbolizing a blend of innocence, strength, and cultural depth.

The face itself appears to be a fusion of African-inspired patterns and modern abstract art, highlighting Cartagena’s rich Afro-Caribbean heritage. The contrasting hues of deep reds, earthy browns, turquoise, and bright greens create a dynamic visual that both stands out and harmonizes with the surrounding architecture. The mural’s backdrop—a bright yellow wall—further amplifies its vibrancy, making it a true focal point in the neighborhood.

This piece is not only an artistic statement but also a cultural one, representing the diversity and identity of Cartagena. The use of intricate designs and striking patterns brings an indigenous and contemporary feel to the mural, speaking to the fusion of old and new that characterizes the city’s artistic scene. Angellino86’s work is a must-see for anyone exploring the best street art in Cartagena, as it embodies both the beauty and complexity of the city’s history and culture.

2.) “The Three Warriors – Las Tres Guerreras” by Fin DAC

Las Tres Guerreras
Las Tres Guerreras
– Location: Plaza de la Trinidad

Fin DAC, an Irish artist renowned for his depictions of women, brings a touch of elegance to Cartagena’s street art scene. His mural of Ana Luisa Muñoz, a local Afro-Caribbean woman, represents the ethnic diversity that defines the city. The artwork can be found at the facade of Quintal Distrito Gourmet, where Ana Luisa’s face is painted three times in DAC’s signature style. This piece stands out among the best Cartagena street art for its powerful representation of Cartagena’s Afro-Colombian heritage.

3.) “Maria Mulata” by Yurika

Maria Mulata Cartagena
Maria Mulata Cartagena by Yurika
– Location: Calle de la Magdalena

Yurika’s 2014 mural “Maria Mulata” is inspired by a local children’s story about the Maria Mulata birds, who saved a village from a devastating fire. This legend, steeped in themes of selflessness and bravery, is depicted in a striking mural where the birds’ darkened feathers symbolize their sacrifice. As one of the most beloved murals in Cartagena, it’s an exceptional example of how local folklore is kept alive through street art. For visitors exploring the best Cartagena street art, this mural should be high on the list.

4.) “Kids of Getsemaní” by Juegasiempre

Los Niños de Getsenami
Los Niños de Getsemaní – Kids of Getsemaní
– Location: Calle de la Sierpe

Bogotá-born artist Juegasiempre believes in capturing the spirit of the people he meets. His mural “Kids of Getsemaní” does exactly that by portraying local children at play, joyfully celebrating the vibrancy of life in Getsemaní. But there’s more to the mural than meets the eye: the trademark pictograms of weaponized insects reflect Colombia’s long history with armed conflict, a commentary on how locals have learned to ignore or confront these ongoing struggles. This mural is a perfect fusion of playfulness and political reflection, making it one of the best Cartagena street art pieces to see.

5.) Joe Arroyo Mural by Unknown Artist

Joe Arroyo Arte
Joe Arroyo
– Location: Calle de San Juan

Though its artist remains unknown, the large mural of Joe Arroyo on Calle de San Juan is a significant tribute to one of Cartagena’s greatest musical legends. Arroyo, known as the king of Colombian salsa, helped define the musical landscape of Colombia and the greater Caribbean. The mural celebrates his contribution, and its connection to his hit song “La Rebelión” makes it one of the city’s most iconic. For those seeking the best Cartagena street art related to music, this mural is essential.

 

6.) El mercado de Pescados de Oro by Jeffry Zapateiro, Cazdos, Yurick y Ecksuno

El Mercado de Pescados de Oro
El Mercado de Pescados de Oro
– Location: La Matuna

El Mercado de Pescados de Oro is a vibrant graffiti mural located in Cartagena, created by renowned local street artists Jeffry Zapateiro, Cazdos, Yurick, and Ecksuno. Painted in 2019, the mural is a colorful homage to Cartagena’s rich cultural and economic history, particularly its ties to fishing and the sea. The title, translating to The Market of Golden Fis, evokes the region’s long-standing connection to the Caribbean, symbolizing both livelihood and abundance.

The mural’s style blends traditional street art with modern urban motifs, using bright hues and bold lines to depict fish, marine life, and abstract forms, all intertwined in a rhythmic dance. The artwork represents not only the market but also Cartagena’s broader cultural tapestry, where local traditions meet contemporary expression. Inspiration for the piece comes from the city’s bustling fish markets, the stories of its people, and the deep relationship between life and the sea. Through this dynamic mural, the artists capture the essence of Cartagena’s coastal heritage and its golden past.

 

7. Palenquera Trinidad by Dimuro_s

Afro Trinidad
Palenquera Trinidad
-Location: Plaza Trinidad

This vibrant mural, located in the Plaza Trinidad, was created by Dimuro_s and stands as a colorful testament to the city’s unique blend of culture, nature, and creativity. The piece features a striking portrait of a woman whose deep, introspective gaze captures attention, set against a rich backdrop of tropical foliage. The intricate details of her features are highlighted by a cool blue palette that contrasts beautifully with the lush green leaves and bright floral elements surrounding her.

What makes this mural particularly captivating is its seamless integration with the traditional Caribbean-style architecture. The brightly colored balustrades of the window next to the mural become part of the art itself, extending the colorful aesthetic. This harmonious blending of art and environment reflects Cartagena’s charm, where past and present, nature and urban life, intertwine effortlessly.

The mural’s use of bold colors, natural elements, and feminine power speaks to the strength, beauty, and cultural pride of the women of Cartagena. It’s a piece that not only enhances the visual landscape but also carries deeper messages of identity and heritage. It’s a must-see for art lovers exploring Cartagena’s rich street art scene.

 

The Cartagena Street Art Festival: Where Art Meets Community

Cartagena’s annual street art festival brings together artists from all over the world, making the city an international hub for street art. The festival not only showcases the best Cartagena street art but also encourages dialogue between artists and locals, strengthening the city’s reputation as a global art destination.

 

Conclusion

Cartagena’s street art is much more than paint on a wall. It’s a reflection of the city’s history, its people, and its ongoing struggles and triumphs. Whether you’re exploring the colorful streets of Getsemaní or taking in the murals on Calle San Juan, you’ll find that the best Cartagena street art offers a unique glimpse into the heart of this beautiful city. As you wander through its streets, remember that each mural tells a story—one that’s deeply intertwined with the spirit of Cartagena itself.

 

About the Author

Hi, I’m Miguel! I’m very passionate about everything Cartagena. My mother and all my Colombian family is from Cartagena. I’ve been living in Cartagena since 2019. When I’m not studying Marketing, you’ll find me at la canchita showing Cartagena how the red leafs play.
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