Ibiza, famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich hippy culture, has become the hub of an annual street art festival since 2011. Bloop, the festival’s name, brings together talented artists and visitors from around the globe every August. The festival initially took place in San Antonio but has now moved to Ibiza Town and San José, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences including street art, live and digital music events, video art, photo exhibitions, sculptures, and street performances.
Said Dokins, one of this year’s participating artists, believes that Bloop offers a unique and impactful contribution to the art world. He describes the festival as an opportunity for confrontation, coincidence, dissent, discussion, and progress. “Above all,” Dokins says, “it’s about taking action. The festival embodies resilience, transcending the limitations of institutions, financial constraints, and logistical challenges. It’s all about making the impossible possible.”
Dokins specializes in calligraphic interventions in public spaces and has been doing so since 1996. He noticed that it wasn’t a common approach at that time, but he’s glad to see more young people exploring calligraphy now. Describing his work, Dokins explains that he incorporates text, signs, and symbols to engage with public spaces, conveying his artistic vision.
Matteo Amadio, the festival’s director, considers Bloop’s enduring legacy to be the presence of the murals it has brought to the island over the years. Although some have been erased, many of them still continue to captivate viewers with their power and vibrancy. Through more than 50 exhibitions, workshops, concerts, and parties, Bloop has left a lasting mark on Ibiza.
This year’s theme is “believe”. In a world affected by the climate crisis, wars, and uncertainties, people often find themselves losing hope and feeling alone and powerless. Bloop aims to encourage collective reflection on the present, presenting different perspectives to inspire and bring people together.
Zsar, a street artist, believes that festivals like Bloop play a crucial role in showcasing urban art. The large-scale pieces featured in Bloop introduce urban art to a wider audience, allowing them to appreciate and understand its significance. Zsar’s own works focus on spreading joy and positivity, often drawing smiles on local pagesas (women who sell fruit) to brighten up people’s day. While touching on social themes like bullying, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and beach cleanups, Zsar always incorporates a smile into his art. He cherishes the moments when people share their favorite pagesa woman with him.
To navigate and explore the festival, visitors can use a dedicated app that helps locate the 60 murals and installations scattered across the island while providing insights into the festival’s history.
This year, Bloop has partnered with the Spanish energy company Endesa, allowing the festival to utilize its walls and electrical substations throughout the island as creative canvases. One of the highlights of the festival is an exhibition called Ephemeral Electricities, hosted inside a disused warehouse of an island power plant. Works by renowned artists such as Dokins, Biokip Labs, Silva Ramacci, Telenova, and Amadama grace the exhibition.
In recent years, Bloop has expanded beyond Ibiza, organizing editions in Milan and Michoacán, Mexico. Amadio envisions a future where Bloop grows even further, featuring monumental artworks and immersive exhibitions that cater to the thousands of visitors. Furthermore, there are plans to establish Bloop as a Mediterranean festival, with an additional edition on an Italian island alongside the iconic Ibizan one.
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