I’ll admit the feedback I got when I first asked around about San Jose wasn’t positive. Before arriving, I started to plan how I was going to get out of the city as fast as possible to get the most of other destinations in Costa Rica. But without renting a car I was going to be stuck in San Jose for one night before I could catch a bus to my next destination. Well crap. I’ll admit I was a little nervous, but as the taxi ride zipped to the hostel I started to notice the beautiful surroundings. My mood quickly lifted.

The horizon was filled with hazy blue mountains glowing in warm light from the setting sun. After dropping my bags off at the hostel I went out for a walk. Within the first five minutes I was completely blown away but how incorrect my assumptions were and how beautiful San Jose is. I honestly don’t know what the other people were talking about. This valley city is filled with interesting museums, lovely parks, and absolutely wicked street art! Art was integrated into buildings, signs, street lamps, sculptures, fencing, and doors. Suddenly I was disappointed my schedule didn’t have enough time in San Jose, so I quickly adjusted to give myself more time at the end of my trip so I could capture as much street art as possible before I left.

My last day in Costa Rica was spent on the hunt for street art and after a successful full day of walking around the city I had collected images and video of over 100 pieces of artwork, ranging in various skill and style. These top five images were my personal top favorites from the two days I spent walking around and capturing as much as I could.

Blue Mono Designs, Unknown Artist

What drew me into this piece was the design. I love monochromatic work and the patterns were so intriguing. The heart at the center of the head is my favorite little detail.

Mouse and Cat, Unknown Artist

I love this piece, probably because it’s a cat but also because I love pieces that explore the power and manipulation that can be caused by characters misinterpreted as weak. Makes me think of Tom and Jerry.

Black and White Details, Unknown Artist

I don’t really care for the style so much as all the details and linework to create texture and movement. I haven’t seen street art quite like this before.

Woman, Stef Tastan

I just love this piece, flowy and girly- simple and yet wonderfully beautiful. I particularly love how the boxed background interacts with objects from the piece, like the vines at the bottom. After a little research I found out this artist is actually more well known for her illustrations and concept art. I’ve linked her website below.

Gestacion, Chinox?

This is my favorite piece. Beautiful color palette and execution.

Split Cat, Negus

I don’t know what’s going on here but I love it! The style, the color choice, the composition. I just really enjoyed the piece. After looking at even more of Negus work online I wish I had a chance to see more of his pieces because he’s going ones that are even better than this one. Recommend keeping an eye out for his work.

 

To see more amazing street art from San Jose check out my video with some of the pieces that I saw. Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know in the comments!

One Minute: Street Art of San Jose, Costa Rica

As an artist myself I can’t stand when people don’t give credit. However, credit is hard to give with street art because there isn’t always a clear tag (also my Spanish is limited!) Here’s the list of artists shown to the best of my ability. If you know of any artist shown that isn’t already listed here please let me know in the comments and I will add them to the list. Thank you!

Artists:

 

Chinox :
Negus : http://globalstreetart.com/negus-arte-vida
Stef Tastan: Actually an illustrator and concept artist: http://steftastan.com/
Freddy Masis :
Mushongo (also listed as MUSH?) : http://globalstreetart.com/mushongo

 

Like what you see? PIN ME!

 

Until next time: Live, Love and Travel On!

-Natasha