V-FILES vol. 3: meet the ✅artist Marta Lapeña (ES)
It’s time to meet the artists behind all the murals you find on our platform,time to meet our verified artists.
Here’s a fragment of her bio found on her artist page:
After she finished her degree in Interior Design by the Politecnica University (Madrid), she decided to devote herself to painting and the research and knowledge of different techniques, focusing at a later time on the conception and development of artistic projects. Her work lies between painting and muralism, sometimes materialised into specific projects and other times more experimental proposals. Her art is naturally influenced by daily life experiences, people she has met, behaviours that she has witnessed and social issues which concern her. Ultimately, through her art she searches for equality at all levels: social, cultural and natural. She addresses topics such as depopulation in rural areas, inequality and violence; any sort of violence but especially gender-based violence. The social component is the absolute central theme of her work.
1. Who is Marta Lapeña?
I am Marta Lapeña, and since I was very young, the only thing I was clear about in my life is that I wanted to dedicate myself to painting and creating in all possible branches of art and creativity.
2. Where is home?
I was born and raised in a small town of 4,000 inhabitants in Ólvega, Soria, Spain. To study, I moved to Madrid, and I have lived here ever since, although painting allows me to travel and see the whole world.
3. How did you end up in the world of street art?
I started painting at home as a game. When I was a teenager, I enrolled in a painting academy until the canvas felt too small for me, and I decided to paint my own creations on the street, in abandoned houses, on bridges, and on walls that allowed me to intervene. There was nothing specific that caught my attention to become an artist; it has always been something instinctive and natural that I carry within me.
4. My first?
I couldn’t say which one; I believe that all projects contribute to an artist’s career, but I have a special fondness for the first international urban art festival ASALTO, which included me when I was a beginner.
5. My everything?
I would say that the largest mural I have completed so far was a 7-story mural in Vigo, Spain, and it was my sister Julia who accompanied me to overcome this great challenge and journey.
6. What if (you weren’ an artist)?
I believe that success depends on what one is satisfied with. I would dedicate myself to any artistic discipline, even if it weren’t just painting my personal works.
7. My Last?
This last mural was in a town in Spain, where the local residents got involved with me to create the design. It tells the story of this town, its roots, and customs.
“Rest” portrays a scene that suggests the end of a day’s work, where people enjoy a well-deserved rest with the fruits of the earth. Elements such as the corquete, vine branches and the porrón appear in the work, paying homage to the customs and traditions of Labastida. The painting reflects rural life, the connection with nature and the beauty of the simple, highlighting the importance of valuing our roots and our culture.
8. Challenges?
The biggest challenge is to stay present in the art scene. There are many very good artists, and you can’t let your guard down or stop producing, because it seems like you disappear, and that is exhausting!
9. What does street art mean to you?
It means freedom. It is wonderful to be able to express yourself in the street, a place where everyone has an opinion.
10. Your thoughts on Street Art Cities:
It is a very good platform to get to know others and meet artists from all over the world. It makes you feel that the profession is something natural and encourages me to continue with this passionate profession.
If you like to discover Marta’s work, head to her artist page or search for her on our website or in our app.
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Met her last summer at Gulia Urbana, such a lovely woman!