At its 8th edition this year, the Art Fair UVNT will take place inside Madrid’s Matadero from 7th to 10th of March 2024, gathering art galleries from all over the world.
Do you wanna dive into Madrid’s urban art collection with me from May 1st to 5th?
Check out the program of BLocal’s upcoming street art trip!
UVNT Art Fair 2024
As the city of Madrid braces itself for the annual infusion of art and culture that is Madrid Art Week, the UVNT Art Fair stands poised to redefine the contemporary art scene with its groundbreaking eighth edition. This year, a fresh chapter unfolds as UVNT migrates to the Matadero Madrid (more on this iconic location below!), promising an expansion not just in physical space but in the scope of imagination and creativity that it brings together.
From March 7th to 10th, the art fair will stretch its arms wider than ever before, welcoming 38 national and international art galleries into a sprawling tent that marries the industrial charm of Matadero with the boundless realms of artistic exploration.
This edition marks a pivotal moment of transformation for UVNT, as articulated by its founder and director, Sergio Sancho. “UVNT is in a moment of change,” he reflects, capturing the essence of an art fair that continually seeks to evolve, challenge, and inspire.
The UVNT Art Fair has always been about more than just art; it’s a platform where creativity intersects with innovation and dialogue. The UVNT Mahou Talks space, envisioned this year by the creative minds at Studio Animal, is set to be a hub of artistic activations, talks, and meetings that embody experimentation, color, and optimism. This collaborative spirit extends to the fair’s engagement with the city itself, through a Public Art Program that weaves art into the fabric of Madrid’s streets and squares, inviting the city’s residents and visitors to engage with art in unexpected places.
In the heart of Madrid, amidst the hustle and bustle of Art Week, UVNT stands as a beacon of innovation and inspiration, inviting us all to reimagine what an art fair can be, especially by bringing the art fair beyond its own premises thanks to a Public Art Program focused on outstanding sculptures in the streets of Madrid.
Public Art Program UVNT
As part of its focus on Public Art, from 2017 to 2021, UVNT Art Fair has curated stunning murals in Madrid by internationally renowned urban artists in the likes of D*Face, Nevercrew, Helen Bur, Case Maclaim, Cranio, and Jorge Rodriguez Gerada, alongside more public art interventions such as sculptures and digital art pieces scattered around the city.
We’ll see these (and many more!) murals on May 2nd, as part of the urban walk “El Norte: Uncover the North’s Secrets.” Are you coming with me?
Murals in Madrid > Helen Bur x UVNT 2021
The mural ‘Humility, strength, elegance, and the poetry of the subtle’ by Helen Bur serves as a homage to two influential women: the Spanish muralist Hyuro, who died a year prior to the creation of this artwork, and Helen’s mother, the creator of the sculpture that the figure in the mural is holding. This piece beautifully intertwines personal tribute and artistic expression.
Murals in Madrid > Case Maclaim x UVNT 2021
In the historic heart of Madrid, German artist Case Maclaim created a mural that introduces a new narrative akin to an undiscovered fairytale. Titled “The Fabulous Tale of Being Different,” this artwork centers around a bold, black child in a gleaming golden wheelchair, a symbol of empowerment for individuals with disabilities or those belonging to a minority. Adorned in a homemade mermaid costume, the child serves as a nod to the heated public discourse at the time surrounding the casting of black actress Halle Bailey as the mermaid in Disney’s film adaptation. Through this mural, Maclaim aims to offer a fresh perspective on diversity and representation.
Murals in Madrid > Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada x UVNT 2021
“Byte the Candy,” created by Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada in 2021, serves as a critical observation of how social media algorithms manipulate and reshuffle information. These algorithms are designed to capture and maintain our attention, funneling advertisements and propaganda more effectively by leveraging personal data to tailor ads perfectly to each user’s interest profile. In this compelling portrait, the artist integrates the universal “on” button symbol, a staple of our technological existence, onto the image of a youthful beauty. This fusion prompts a reflective dialogue, encouraging viewers to ponder the narratives embedded within the artwork and how they might see their own interactions with technology mirrored in it.
Murals in Madrid > Nevercrew x UVNT 2020
“Offset,” a mural by the Nevercrew duo, delves into the theme of imbalance, highlighting the fragile equilibrium disrupted by the diminution of natural spaces and resources due to human progress and behavior. It critiques the human tendency to view nature through a narrow lens, perceiving it as secondary to human existence, fostering a disconnect and ignorance of both local and global environmental realities. This perspective overlooks humanity’s role within the broader natural exchange, leading to a world where balance is compromised, resources become scarce, and the very elements humans depend on are diminishing, yet the direction of progress remains unchanged.
Murals in Madrid > GVIIIE x UVNT 2020
Madrid-based artist GVIIIE crafted an artwork exploring the concept of art’s timeless nature. He illustrated this idea with two distinct designs: an abstraction of Caravaggio’s “El tañidor de laúd” and an image of a young person listening to music through a phone. Additionally, GVIIIE aims to highlight the importance of enhancing dialogue with the local community to ensure the sustained vitality of street art within institutional settings.
Murals in Madrid > Zest x UVNT 2020
French graffiti artist Franck Noto, also known as Zest, is renowned for his vibrant abstract gestures that burst with energy. He skillfully merges the dynamic forces of graffiti, distilling them into fundamental shapes and primary colors. The use of vivid hues captures the essence of urban art, instantly drawing the attention of onlookers before they even form an opinion on the piece. The transparency within his forms suggests a layered convergence of energies and movements, embodying the fluidity and dynamism inherent to his style.
Murals in Madrid > Ever x UVNT 2020
Nicolas Romero, also known as Eversiempre, deeply immerses himself in the communities where he paints, drawing inspiration from local life and history. In Madrid’s Lavapiés neighborhood, he was inspired by the diverse cultures, local aromas, and the vibrant community life. The engagement with locals, curious about his work, highlighted the neighborhood’s strong sense of community and concern for its future. This led Romero to conceive a mural reflecting unity and communal energy, reminiscent of Matisse’s dancers, intertwined with elements of the local El Rastro flea market. The accidental inclusion of cats, aligning with Madrid residents’ nickname ‘gatos,’ underscored the serendipity in his process. Working in significant cities involves navigating local opinions and regulations, a challenge that Romero embraces to ensure his murals resonate with the community’s identity and aspirations, blending his vision with the locality’s symbolic landscape.
Murals in Madrid > D*Face x UVNT 2020
Situated opposite to EVER’s creation, this mural by D*Face is inspired by his canvas work titled “Run Away.” This piece is part of a collection exploring themes of love and romance, showcasing a poignant scene of a lover’s embrace, with the male figure beginning to melt and vanish. “Run Away” incorporates D*Face’s iconic motifs, like the woman with wings.
Murals in Madrid > Marat Morik x UVNT 2019
Originating from a graffiti background, Russian artist Marat Morik has left his mark with mural paintings across numerous countries. He exhibits a keen interest in exploring textures, employing a variety of techniques and materials on diverse surfaces. Morik’s art is characterized by the fusion of abstract shapes with elements of realism, expressionism, and typography, creating a unique blend in his works.
Murals in Madrid > Poni x UVNT 2019
Mexican artist Hilda Palafox, known as PONI, creates elegant artworks featuring female figures that echo the voluptuous essence of our beginnings. She delves into themes of peace, resilience, and femininity, balancing forms and colors with playful harmony.
Situated near Plaza Mayor in a historic area of Madrid, PONI’s mural “The Pillar” celebrates sisterhood and addresses racial unity, depicting two women of different ethnicities intertwined. They hold a crescent moon sprouting life, showcasing one of her largest works to date, distinguished by its clarity, sophistication, and vibrant hues.
Murals in Madrid > Pro176 x UVNT 2019
Parisian graffiti writer Pro176 has transformed a tall, slim segment of back-alley wall into a vibrant tableau that echoes with the nostalgia of childhood superheroes and comic capers. Drawing heavily from the iconic work of Jack Kirby, Pro176 deconstructs and reassembles the comic book aesthetic in a manner that is both familiar and refreshingly new. Set against the backdrop of an alley—a quintessential scene for both superheroes and graffiti artists alike—this mural adds a layer of complexity, merging abstract comic deformation with the raw energy of street art.
Murals in Madrid > Artez x UVNT 2019
Crafted in 2019 by Serbian artist Artez, the mural “About this Town” narrates the essence of Madrid, inviting visitors to explore the city’s rich artistic and cultural offerings. Situated in the heart of the city, this artwork stands out against the backdrop of a bustling pedestrian shopping area. Instead of the typical imagery of shoppers with bags, the mural features a girl clutching a stack of books significant to Madrid’s history and culture, alongside a plant adorned with a quaint birdhouse. This element symbolizes a warm invitation to all “birds” or visitors to find a sense of belonging and home within the vibrant life of Madrid.
Murals in Madrid > Alexey Luka x UVNT 2018
With an architectural background, Alexey Luka presents a unique style featuring abstract geometric shapes and color shifts. Mastering various mediums like spray and acrylic paints, sculpture, and collage, he creates complex compositions where colors and lines form a visual puzzle. This approach challenges viewers to interpret shapes—ranging from faces to landscapes—as a perception game that stimulates the imagination. Influenced by constructivism and neo-plasticism, Luka’s art transcends conventional storytelling, offering innovative visions through the manipulation of shapes and colors.
Murals in Madrid > Cranio x UVNT 2018
Cranio is a Brazilian street artist from São Paulo, known for his distinctive blue Indigenous characters. These characters often appear in urban settings, engaging in various activities that critique modern society, such as consumerism, environmental degradation, and the cultural impacts of globalization. Cranio’s work is characterized by its humorous yet poignant commentary on the struggles and resilience of Indigenous peoples in Brazil and the wider world.
Murals in Madrid > Jan Kalab x UVNT 2018
Jan Kalab is a Czech artist recognized for his transition from early graffiti under the names “Cakes” and “Point” to pioneering street art in Eastern Europe during the 1990s. He is known for his abstract and geometric creations, using vibrant color gradients and shapes that often appear three-dimensional, challenging viewers’ perceptions of space. Kalab’s work spans from large-scale murals to canvases and sculptures, reflecting his adaptability and innovation within contemporary art. His evolution from street to gallery art has established him as a key figure in both the street art community and the wider art world, with his contributions celebrated globally.
Murals in Madrid > Jana & JS x UVNT 2018
Jana & JS are an Austrian-French stencil artist duo recognized for their street art featuring intimate and realistic portraits. Their works, often set in urban environments, explore themes of intimacy, urban life, and human-environment interactions. The duo skillfully uses stencils to create detailed, lifelike images that interact with their surroundings, inviting public engagement and reflection. With their art found in various European cities, Jana & JS contribute significantly to the street art scene, blending technical precision with emotional depth.
Murals in Madrid > Ben Eine x UVNT 2017
Ben Eine is known for his vivid, typographic graffiti, transforming urban spaces with bold, colorful letters. His work, which spans shop shutters and city walls globally, merges graffiti with art through stylized words and phrases.
Murals in Madrid > Jason Woodside x UVNT 2017
Jason Woodside is a contemporary artist known for his vibrant, large-scale murals that feature a mix of geometric shapes, bright colors, and intricate patterns. His work brings a splash of energy and optimism to urban landscapes, often transforming dull city walls into captivating visual experiences. Woodside’s style is recognizable for its playful use of color and form, drawing inspiration from various sources including fashion, design, and nature.
We’ll see these (and many more!) murals on May 2nd, as part of the urban walk “El Norte: Uncover the North’s Secrets.”
are you coming with me?
Matadero Madrid, home of UVNT Art Fair 2024
UVNT Art Fair 2024 is hosted within the beautiful spaces of Madrid’s Matadero, the former slaughterhouse that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center. Located in the Arganzuela district, along the Manzanares River, this extensive complex is now dedicated to contemporary creation and serves as a space for artistic expression across various disciplines including visual arts, performing arts, cinema, music, and design.
El Matadero Madrid is an exemplary case of industrial architecture repurposed for cultural use, showcasing how historical buildings can be adapted to meet contemporary needs while preserving their architectural essence. The complex, originally constructed in the early 20th century, was designed as a slaughterhouse and livestock market, comprising various pavilions and spaces specifically tailored for the different stages and types of meat processing.
The architecture of El Matadero reflects the industrial aesthetic of the era, with robust brick buildings, large open spaces, and functional designs that facilitated the workflow of the slaughterhouse. The use of iron and glass in the construction allowed for well-lit interiors, essential for the building’s original purposes.
This post-industrial building has always been one of my favorite spots in Madrid, and I can’t wait to bring you there on May 3rd, as part of the “Art Districts: The Heart of Creativity” urban walk.
UVNT Art Fair 2024 > The Galleries
A PICK Gallery (Turin)
apickgallery.com
Artists: Andrea Fiorino, Jay Gard, Letizia Scarpello, Volga Sisa
ARMA Gallery (Madrid)
armagallery.com
Artists: Jorge Nava, Natalia Romanciuc, Wydcliffe Mundopa
Alzueta Gallery (Barcelona/Girona/Madrid)
alzuetagallery.com
Artists: David Macho, Isabel Servera, Jan Monclus, Juan Narowé, Xevi Solà
Antonio Colombo Arte Contemporanea (Milan)
colomboarte.com
Artists: Dario Maglionico, Kimou “Grotesk” Meyer, Russ Pope, Ryan Heshka
Arniches 26 (Madrid)
arniches26.com
Artists: Alba Lorente, Alberto Ardid, Carles Tarassó, Claudia Pastomas, Javier Carro Temboury, Sol Mussa, Terry A. Craven
Berlin Gallery (Seville)
berlingaleria.es
Artists: An Wei, Pablo Castañeda, Sofía González
Cerquone Gallery (Caracas/Madrid)
cerquone.com
Artists: Jonathan Edelhuber, Juan Díaz Faes, Juan Miguel Quiñones, Ksenia Dermenzhi, Starsky Brines, Viktor Freso.
Delimbo (Seville)
delimbo.com
Artists: Alexandre Farto AKA Vhils, Michael Swaney, Mr Kern, Nacho Eterno, Rorro Berjano
Di Gallery (Seville)
diartgallery.com
Artists: Agus Díaz Vázquez, Irene Molina, Pablo Merchante
Espacio Líquido (Gijón) + La Gran (Madrid)
lagran.eu
Artists: Luis Pérez Calvo, Mariajosé Gallardo, Pau Aguiló, and Ray Medina.
Gaby Vera x El Castillete (Madrid)
gabrielavera.art
Artists: Armig Santos, Carmen Ceniga Prado, Gus Monday, Jeffly Gabriela Molina, Jin Jeong, Sol Kordich, Zoe McGuire
Herrero de Tejada Gallery (Madrid)
herrerodetejada.com
Artists: Eloy Arribas, Jan Vallverdú, José Dean, Renée Estée
Trinta Gallery (Santiago de Compostela)
trinta.net
Artists: Francisco Mendes Moreira, Jesús Mandriñan, Lucrecia Píttaro, Natalia Ocerín, Óscar Seco
Yusto/Giner Gallery (Marbella/Madrid)
yusto-giner.com
Artists: Alli Conrad, Ant Hamlyn, Daniel Núñez, Los Bravú, Madison Skriver, Miguel Scheroff, Ramón Muñoz, Yann Leto
Gallery Afternoon (Seoul)
galleryafternoon.com
Artists: Jiyoung Park, Keigo Nakamura, Sohee Ahn, Beomju Ko
Gallery Red (Palma de Mallorca)
galleryred.com
Artist: Rubén Martín de Lucas
Gärna Art Gallery (Madrid)
garnaartgallery.com
Artists: Albert Pinya, Cesc Abad, Iryna Maksymova, Joel Bigaignon, Laia García, Lotte Keijzer, Lusesita, Pepo Moreno, Ramiro González Luna, Saxon Quinn, Yasuhito Kawasaki
HAGD Contemporary (Aalborg)
hagd.dk
Artists: Grgur Akrap, Jeehye Song, Line Munch, Natalia Arbelaez
Isabel Croxatto Gallery (Santiago, Chile)
isabelcroxattogaleria.com
Artists: Carolina Muñoz, Mara Faúndez, Rolankay, Vicente Prieto Gaggero.
JPS Gallery (Hong Kong/Tokyo/Paris/Barcelona)
jpsgallery.com
Artists: Dan Oliver, Lokz Phoenix, Paul Hunter Speagle, Jackie Lam a.k.a. 009
LAB36 (Barcelona)
lab36.org
Artists: Óscar Abraham Pavón, Madison Tyrell, Miguel Ángel Madrigal
La Bibi Gallery (Palma de Mallorca)
labibigallery.com
Artists: Ela Fidalgo, Grip Face, Manu García Fernández, Michael Staniak, Miju Lee
La Causa Gallery (Madrid)
lacausagaleria.com
Artists: Andres Lozano, Billy Vanilli, Maite y Manuel, Nina Bachmann, Polina Pak
Lariot Collective (London)
lariotcollective.com
Artists: Ernesto Crespo, Mario Antón, Santiago Talavera, Sofía Fernández Stens- tröm
Llamazares Gallery (Gijón)
galeriallamazares.com/en
Artists: Fernando Barrios Benavides, Hugo Alonso, Marina Vargas, Santi Lara
Mobius Gallery (Bucharest)
mobius-gallery.com
Artists: Gino Rubert, Roman Tolici
My name’s Lolita Art (Madrid)
mynameslolita.com
Artists: Juan Cuéllar, Max Berry, Paco Pomet, Silvia Lermo
NBB Gallery (Berlin)
nbb.gallery
Artists: B. D. Graft, Denise Rudolf Frank, Jack Kabangu, Noguchi Shimura, Paa Joe, Robert Pokorny
Renace Contemporary Art (Jaén)
renace.art
Artists: Fernando Tinoco, Miguel Scheroff
S Gallery (Madrid)
sgallery.art
Artist: Horacio Quiroz
Swinton Gallery (Madrid)
swintongallery.com
Artists: 108, Olga de Dios, SRGER
Tönnheim Gallery (Madrid)
wadstromtonnheim.se
Artists: Claudia Doring-Baez, Fausto Amundarain, Paula Valdeón Lemus, Torbjörn Johansson
VETA by Fer Francés (Madrid)
vetagaleria.com
Artists: Atanda Quadri Adebayo, Cristina Lama, El Roto, Julio Galindo, Santiago Ydáñez
Victor Lope Contemporary Art (Barcelona)
victorlope.com
Artists: Beate Höing, Damien Cifelli, Franco Fasoli, Léo Dorfner, Juan de la Rica
Voskhod Gallery (Basel)
voshkod.ch
Artists: Falkov S. N., Kuril Chto
Whitestone Gallery (Hong Kong)
whitestone-gallery.com
Artists: Béchir Boussandel, Debbie Reda, Kongkee, Kyomori Kohei, Watabiki Nobuko
WIZARD Gallery (Milan/London)
wizardgallery.com
Artists: Angese Guido, Carlos Álvarez Las Heras, Federico Luger, Gian Martino Cecere
Yiri Arts (Taipei)
yiriarts.com.tw
Artists: KENG Chieh-Sheng, Sun Pei-Mao, Taichi Nakamura, Wang Guan-Jhen.
