Muralists and musicians will once again take over the streets of the capital's most iconic barrio for the ninth edition of the urban art festival Santurce es Ley, where you can expect an eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, crafts, beer and fried food under moonlight and rock and roll.
Below are some of the most striking artists you can see as you walk the streets.
1. Farid Rueda
This Mexican artist is known for work steeped in love for his native Mexico, as well as his bold use of color and large-scale forms. An international tour through more than 27 countries has brought him to Puerto Rico to leave his mark on the walls of Santurce.
2. Chuwi
One of the most prominent local music acts of recent years, the band Chuwi from Isabela, will perform on the Santurce es Ley stage with their colorful blend of electronic sounds and traditional drums.
The quartet is on a promotional tour for their latest EP, Tierra, which features danceable songs with socially critical lyrics.
3. Insane 51
Greek muralist Stathis Tsavalias, known as Insane 51, uses designs inspired by photorealism to give his images an almost three-dimensional quality. So much so that much of his work requires 3D glasses (like those used in movie theaters) to be fully appreciated.
4. Pink Pablo
Alternative trap artist Vei Habache, the stage name of Héctor Javier Echevarría, has won over fans of urban music with his playful rhythms and lo-fi production that is no less intimate or catchy.
5. Vei Habache
Alternative trap artist Vei Habache, the stage name of Héctor Javier Echevarría, has won over fans of urban music with his playful rhythms and lo-fi production that is no less intimate or catchy.
Among his hits is Mal decir, a slow, warm track about how romantic passion plays out inside an uncomfortable relationship.
6. Squid Licker
Chinese American illustrator Lauren YS, working under the name Squid Licker, creates pieces inspired by East Asian art, woven together with influences from her life in Los Angeles, California. Her work regularly depicts women of fierce and voracious spirit.
7. Ledania
Under the name Ledania, Colombian muralist Diana Ordóñez stands as one of the most prominent figures in South American graffiti. Her distinctive art, saturated with vivid colors, appears on walls as well as clothing, jewelry and footwear.
8. Akochema
Akochema is an electronic music collective within the Puerto Rican underground scene, with several artists under its umbrella, including producers Gera Akate and La Kone.
As part of the festival, they will put on a showcase on Saturday afternoon, so we recommend dressing to sweat and jump around.
9. Osto (Ostomatic)
Anyone walking through Río Piedras or Santurce has almost certainly come across one of Osto's posters on a wall.
The street art of this San Juan-based designer and tattoo artist is defined by playful and sometimes cynical compositions that prompt social reflection.
10. Tapaboka
One of the most electrifying acts in the underground rock scene in the metro area is Tapaboka, a women-led punk band that sings, screams and growls about everything that frustrates us on this island.
Respect the pit while they're playing, because these people mean business and will pull you in.
Worth a walk-through
Between the art, the music, and the food and drinks in the area, Santurce es Ley is sure to leave you with something to remember. Even if just for a quick look, it's worth stopping by.
Cover photo: Santurce es Ley 2023 (via Instagram)
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
