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
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Hi! Love the art, both what you found on the streets and what you ha r created!! We travel with the kids and never miss an opportunity to explore art. Such a fantastic topic!
Cool artwork. The mouse and the cat is possibly my favourite of these.
The baby in the womb is my favorite pieces from your pictures too! I was in Costa Rica and though we landed in San Jose we rented a car and explored the other parts of the country. Wish we had spent at least a day in San Jose to explore all this cool street art since that is always fun to do. Glad you had a fun time!
Apart from a little church in the city centre I did not like San José and I was happy to sleep there only two nights. A pity that despite walking a lot around the city I did not stumble upon one of these street artworks, I would have known what to do with my time there! Thanks for sharing
I haven’t been there. I love street art. I think the cat ones are my favorites. Great video!
I love searching for street art and taking photos, but there aren’t good guides about it. So I’m saving this one for when I get to see San Jose, some of the walls are absolutely amazing!
I am totally loving the street art here and would totally visit San Jose for this. 🙂 So colourful and eye-catching
Great examples of street art here. I often wonder why so many of the artists don’t leave their signature or name on such artwork. Some of them are outstanding, these people should get the recognition they deserve.
Street art is one of the thins i always keep an eye out for wherever i travel. It adds so much to urban adventure and brightens up the surroundings. Awesome video 🙂
I love most the Black and White Details. Beautiful dan such a detailed line art. At least you got something to bring back as memories from San Jose. 🙂
Street art is indeed one of the most fascinating of arts. It is a great mirror of the culture and times of a place. Many of the artists are unkown and it is only their work that shines bright as a testimony to their genius. All of these works of art in San Jose are lovely, but I was really riveted by the Gestacion.
Hi! Was just wondering if it is possible to know the neighborhood where you found these artworks? About to go to San Jose on May 10. Any info would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Street art is visual art created in public locations, usually unsanctioned artwork executed outside of the context of traditional art venues. It really true that Street art is a huge creation of the artist. Your sharing picture is sound so beautiful.