Marilyn Monroe Human Statue: The Backstage

Marilyn's Real Stage: The Curb

If human statues in Barcelona could pick their spots at will, I am pretty sure this guy impersonating Marilyn Monroe would have chosen the famous air vents up on the Passeig de Gràcia sidewalk. It would be the perfect fit. But instead of that iconic scene, he has to compete down here with a bunch of other statues in the thick of Las Ramblas.

The competition lately is fierce. You have the impressive rivals that are really hard to beat, and then you have many others that are, frankly, a bit ridiculous. There are way too many of them recently. But as I always say, my friends, crisis sharpens your survival skills, and the boat is already full of survivors.

Order in the Chaos: New Rules Coming

It sounds like the free-for-all is about to end. Local authorities have plans to limit the number of statues starting January next year. We are talking about a cap of just 30 performers, selected by the quality of their act. They will be working in two shifts—15 in the morning and 15 in the afternoon—and they will be confined to a restricted area exactly between the Pla de la Boqueria and the Arc del Teatre square.

Artists will actually have to send in a CV to get a spot! Also, imitations of animals or characters carrying weapons will be banned. Let's see how it all ends, as some attempts at regulation were made in the past with zero success.

The Intimacy of the Backstage

Hey, I almost forgot about Marilyn here. You know what? I actually prefer capturing these moments over the performance itself. This is the "backstage" session, right out in the open. It is when living statues are in the intimacy of their preparation, or taking a breather.

In this shot, you don't see the glamour; you see the grind. He is crouching down by his equipment box, maybe fixing his lipstick or grabbing a quick bite, completely lost in his own thoughts. He might be wondering what the heck he is doing standing on a pedestal all day without twitching a muscle.

It is a reminder of the human element. As I always say, please help the artist behind the statue. Don't pretend they are just part of the street furniture or Las Ramblas decoration. They are working hard.

Flamenco Fusion Dancer, La Barceloneta, Barcelona

Dancing to the sound of a small flamenco fusion group, here is an artist caught in the very act of expressing her passion with her body. I took several pictures and it was difficult to decide which one was the most dramatic and evocative. I think her frown, her concentration and the hands up in the air finally made me choose this one. The bailaora was really more beautiful in other shots but I preferred to show her wrath, strength and plasticity. This took place at Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta.

Update: Barcelona Photoblog's picture "Legs" has been selected in Photo Friday - Noteworthy section as part of weekly challenge called "Sexy". Thanks so much to all voters and to Photo Friday for the opportunity!

Ramblas Angel

The Golden Angel Returns in Full Color

If you have been hanging around the blog for a while, this golden figure might look familiar. I actually featured this specific performer quite some time ago in a post I called Angel or Devil, a popular living statue in Las Ramblas.

Back in that post, I was really focused on zooming in on the intricate details of her face paint. But looking back, I realized I owed you a proper full-size shot to really show off the scale of those massive majestic wings. She is seriously impressive to see in person on the street.

Getting Experimental with the Edit

As you can see, I decided to have a little creative fun with the processing on this shot today. The background is a total pop-art explosion. I used a heavy radial blur effect in Photoshop (shout out to good old CS4!) to create that intense sense of motion and dizzying color.

I admit, this style might be a little "too daring" for some tastes, but honestly, sometimes you just have to experiment and have fun doing it. I think it makes the steady, metallic gold of the statue really jump off the screen against the chaos. Have a great week, everyone!

Some Exciting Blog News

On a completely different note to start the week, I wanted to share something cool. Barcelona Photoblog was kindly listed among the "50 Most Amazing Architectural Photography Blogs" by Photography Colleges. It’s a really good guide to check out if you are looking for online photography tuition.

I want to say a big thank you to them for the mention. It also reminded me to share my own Architecture and Sculpture in Barcelona set on Flickr with you all again. It’s a big collection of pictures, many of which you can find buried deep in my blog archives as well, all gathered in one place.

Carnival 2009 in Barcelona is Coming!

Carnival 2009 in Barcelona is Coming!

Get your masks ready, because next Saturday a big parade will take place here in Barcelona to celebrate our Carnival. Now, I know our celebration isn't as world-famous as Rio or Venice yet, but trust me, it is getting better and bigger all the time.

Since I obviously don't have pictures of next week's parade yet (unless someone lends me a time machine), I thought this incredible pirate character would do the trick to help us start getting in the mood. Nothing says "costume party" quite like a pirate, right?

A Study in Silver and Orange

This living statue is a perfect example of the detail these performers put in. The texture of the silver paint on the face and that battered hat makes the artist look like cast in solid metal. But what really grabs me is that pop of orange eyeshadow.

It is such a striking contrast against the monochrome grey of the skin. It gives the whole expression a certain intensity, a bit of life amidst the "statue" effect. It’s that kind of theatrical flair that Carnestoltes is all about.

There are many sites online anticipating the festivities, but if you want the official info, you can check out the Carnaval site. Hmm, looking at it now, I really hope they update it soon with the final schedule!

Opera Singer in Barri Gotic, Barcelona

On the quiet streets of Barri Gotic there was this opera singer delighting passerbyes with passionate gesture and a powerful voice.

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Barri Gotic Musicians: A Little Chat

Musician in Barri Gotic, Barcelona

Musicians like Barri Gotic to perform.

The narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona are pleasant to stay in the shade, away from nearby noisy streets. Besides, acoustics is great.

Many times there are small groups playing on the same site as they are supposed to play on spots assigned by local authorities. So you probably meet the very same artist depending on what time of the day or the week you visit a determined street.

This man here was about to start and was having a little chat. There was this sun ray falling directly on his head acting as a natural spotlight. If you want to know more or check a full view of the street don't miss: Barri Gotic: Street Musicians Paradise?

Street Artists: Las Ramblas Clown, Barcelona

Among dozens of human statues in Las Ramblas de Barcelona you may now and then find other "minor", less sophisticated and striking ways of artistry equally respectable and venerable as is the case of the Clown. See this artist in context using my geotagged Barcelona photos set on Flickr.

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Soldier of Fortune - A Human Statue

Halt! You Shall Not Pass (Without Tipping)

"Stop! Hold it right there! You miserable, lousy scoundrel. I swear upon my sword that you will not flee from Barcino without tipping me first."

Okay, he didn't actually say that, but judging by that fierce expression painted onto his face, he was definitely thinking it. I mean, look at him. He is locked and loaded. "Yes, you, what are you staring at? Give me that black box with lightnings inside." (I assume that is how a Roman centurion would describe my camera with a flash).

The Fierce Centurion of Barcino

This guy is intense. The teal and gold patina on his armor is fantastic—it gives him that weathered, oxidized bronze look, like he has been standing guard since the Roman Empire actually ruled this city. The details are great, from the "SPQR" standards behind him to the muscle cuirass and the sword pointed right at the cheapskates in the crowd.

"Just one miserable denarius? You must be out of your mind? Oh, that's better, euros will be fine."

He is definitely one of the more intimidating characters on the street. If you missed my previous post about this specific living statue and want to see another angle of his impressive gear, please visit: Human Statue of Warrior at Las Ramblas de Barcelona.

Biker and Skeleton in Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

Cycling with the Skeleton Crew

If you are a regular on Las Ramblas de Barcelona, you definitely know this duo. It is a familiar sight: the man and the skeleton, pedaling in tandem through the static crowd. It is one of those mechanical setups that is just fun to watch, as the skeleton mimics every move the biker makes.

I was actually used to watching him dressed in completely different colors—usually darker, more steampunk tones. (You can check out his old look in my previous post: Human Statue in Las Ramblas - Biker). But this time, he has reinvented himself with a ghostly, textured white finish that makes him look like a statue carved from rough stone.

A Thumbs Up for the Camera

The details here are great, from the tall top hat down to the round sunglasses that add a bit of "cool" to the spooky vibe. And he is a pro; he had no problem pausing his eternal bike ride to pose for the camera the second the coin hit the bottom of his tin can.

That thumbs-up is the universal sign of "transaction complete" on the Ramblas. I also like how the background—the "Vien" sign and the hotel entrance—frames him perfectly in the city's hustle, even while he and his bony friend are frozen in their own little world.

Human Statue's Boot Detail in Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

A Pistol in the Boot

They say you should never judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes... or in this case, until you've stood perfectly still for hours in his heavy silver boots.

This is just a detail shot, I know, but sometimes the boots tell the story better than the face. In Las Ramblas, the difference between a good statue and a great one often comes down to these little details. An old, rustic pistol tucked into the side and a heavy, thick coat of silver polish over the leather (and the jeans!) really give the character that final, gritty touch.

The Ambiguity of the Scoundrel

Sometimes, looking at these details, you can't quite tell whether they are impersonating a pirate, a bounty hunter, a cowboy, or just some generic sort of scoundrel. But believe me, it is fun to watch them perform regardless of the specific label.

It creates a nice mystery—is he about to draw that gun, or is it just for show? One thing is for certain, though: bootlickers should definitely avoid this area. With that much metallic paint involved, there is a very high risk of indigestion.

Human Statue of Warrior, Las Ramblas, Barcelona

A Greek Warrior on the Ramblas

Mystery solved. While I was scratching my head earlier trying to place this armor, it turns out we are looking at a Greek warrior sporting a classic Corinthian helmet. And honestly, knowing the history just makes the statue even cooler.

The Corinthian Crest at Sunset

I photographed this warrior just in front of the Liceu concert hall in Las Ramblas. I usually catch these artists in the full, harsh daylight, but this shot was taken at sunset, and the atmosphere is completely different.

The fading light catches the massive crest of that helmet perfectly. The paint job is fantastic—that teal and gold combination mimics the look of ancient, oxidized bronze (or copper) that has survived centuries. Standing there against the warm, blurry lights of the theater, he doesn't just look like a street performer; he looks like a sentinel from the ancient world keeping watch over modern Barcelona.

Save the Earth: Portrait of Human Statue in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Rescuing Mother Nature from the Archives

I decided to dig into the hard drive today and rescue an old character from the archives in a shot I hadn't published before. It is this incredible "Mother Nature" figure—or at least, that is what I call him. It is definitely a he, but the spirit of the character is pure Earth.

He is dressed as some sort of tree or forest deity, covered in earth-toned body paint with delicate vines tracing up his arms and face. But the real showstopper is that headpiece. It looks like a mass of dried roots exploding backward from his head, defying gravity as if the wind is permanently blowing through them.

The Missing Sphere

In this particular angle, the transparent sphere he usually holds is almost hidden, tucked away near his chest. You can just barely catch the glint of the glass. If you want to see the full setup where the sphere is totally visible, you should definitely check out my original post: Street Artists in Las Ramblas - Human Statue.

There is something about his expression here—solemn, looking off into the distance, hand raised—that feels like a warning or a plea. Maybe "Save the Earth" isn't just a catchy title; maybe it's exactly what he is trying to tell us while we rush past him to buy souvenirs.

Seasoned Human Statue II in Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

The Seasoned Statue Returns

Here is another shot of a street artist—a human statue—that actually appeared in Barcelona Photoblog a long, long time ago. You might remember him from my previous post: Seasoned Human Statue Sitting in Las Ramblas.

I call him "seasoned" not just because he looks like a veteran of the street, but because of that incredible weather-beaten look he cultivates. The metallic silver paint settles into every line and furrow of his face, making him look less like a person and more like a piece of galvanized steel that has withstood decades of storms.

Suiting Up in Silver

His previous photo focused mostly on his face, so it didn't really show off the suit too much. I thought you would like to see this angle because it highlights the costume work. The jacket, the tie, the shirt—everything is stiff with that same textured silver coating.

He looks like a businessman frozen in time (or maybe carbonite), pausing for a moment of reflection amidst the chaos of the boulevard. Even his glasses seem caught in the transformation. It is that commitment to the "heavy" look of the materials that sets the pros apart from the amateurs.

Mermaid Human Statue in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

The Little Mermaid's Day Job

Once upon a time, there was a little mermaid. But this wasn't the Disney version singing happy songs; this was a sad and lonely little mermaid, working nine to five out of the water just to make ends meet in Las Ramblas, Barcelona.

You can see it in her posture. She is slumped over, clutching that little purse made of shells, looking completely lost. She probably only wanted to go swim with her father in the deep blue sea a few miles away from the Barcelona port, but let's face the facts: human money is much better than devaluated seashells in her underwater world right now.

A Fish Out of Water

It is a tough life indeed. Imagine wearing all that heavy silver makeup, your scales getting dry in the hot Spanish sun, and having to deal with thousands of stingy, strange creatures with no tails staring at you like you are the school of fish.

The detail on her costume is impressive—from the silver-braided "hair" to the shell bodice—but the real story is in the fatigue. Yeah, it sounds like a fairytale, but human statues in Las Ramblas are real people with real bills. They need the money, so let's give them some coins to take back home because they really deserve it.

Daily Photo Recommendation

On a side note, a picture I really liked today comes from the City Daily Photo group: Free Parking by Hyderabad Daily Photo, India. I really like the silhouette of the road against the sunset and the incredible amount of cars in that huge traffic jam. It makes our traffic here look like nothing!

Human or Living Statue: Goblins in Las Ramblas, Barcelona?

The Mystery of the Silver Silhouette

Some days ago, I posted about a mysterious character in Las Ramblas, asking if he was an Elf or a Vulcan. Well, I am back with another angle on the same mystery.

Generally speaking, it is not very attractive to capture a person's nape in photography. The back of someone's head is usually boring unless the faceless silhouette is expressive enough against the background. But this time, I think it works. The living statue was just as stunning from behind as he looked in the side profile picture.

Goblin, Elf, or Alien?

I still don't know if this is a goblin, a space traveler, or what. But looking at the detail—the silver fabric gathered at the point of the hat, those oversized pointed ears painted to match the skin—the man was definitely well disguised. The silver paint creates this great metallic texture that pops against the blurred city street behind him.

Some Photography Recommendations

Since we are dealing with people photography today, I am going to suggest a few links that are worth your time:

• A Flickr set about the inhabitants of Papua, New Guinea by Eric Lafforgue. It is absolutely stunning work.
• My own set about Human Statues or Street Artists on Flickr.

Mermaid Captured in La Rambla, Barcelona

Fishing for Sirens on Las Ramblas

I captured this mermaid with my trusty Nikon D70s while going on a little "fishing expedition" for human statues along Las Ramblas. And let me tell you, there were plenty of fishy things in that sea of tourists—mostly pickpockets and trileros (shell-game swindlers) trying to trick people with their cards. Those are dangerous species you definitely want to avoid playing with.

The Modern Odysseus

But this encounter was different. I felt charmed and subdued by her irresistible, silent chant. In the spirit of Greek mythology, I almost tried to tie myself up to that black cast-iron lamp post standing right next to her and cover my ears like a modern Odysseus to resist the temptation.

But it was no use. She pulled out a small jewel box covered in shells, insinuated a silver-painted smile, and I succumbed instantly. One more euro for the catch of the day!

A Marvel of Marble Human Statue

A Marvel of Marble on the Street

This is, for me, one of the greatest human statues at Las Ramblas de Barcelona. The texture, the costume, the way he holds the pose—it is all top-notch. But I have to admit, taking this photo wasn't exactly a walk in the park.

The Challenge of Shooting White on White

It was surprisingly hard to capture these white colors properly. As any photographer knows, the camera's sensor (or CCD, for us old-school shooters) can easily be fooled by large bright or dark surfaces. It tries to compensate, often making the picture look too grey or blowing out the highlights depending on where you focus.

I think I managed to balance it here, though. You can really see the "marble" details—the grey veining painted onto his face and the folds of the cowl are incredible. And that expression! The guy was smiling at me right after I gave him one euro. Sometimes a picture is worth the money, and these street artists really deserve it for the effort they put in.

A Little Art News

On a different note, I have some exciting news to share. Barcelona Photoblog has been invited to be part of Saatchi Gallery Online. It is a massive, free showcase for photographers and a world-leading interactive resource for the art community. It’s an honor to be included. You can see some of my pictures over at Saatchi Online if you want to check them out!

Tango Dancers in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

After some hieratic figures of human statues I decided to show you the tango dancers of Las Ramblas, Barcelona. They definitely make up a much more dynamic image. There isn't much to say here, only that you can find them almost at the end of the street near the sea, more or less next to the wax museum alley. The middle sidewalk along Las Ramblas seems to be less crowded in that area and some interesting quick performances take place. I was lucky to find a YouTube video with the same couple dancing in Las Ramblas, it is called Tango Dans La Rue

Human Statue in Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Elf or Vulcan?

Elf, Goblin, or Vulcan?

Yet another human statue in Las Ramblas! I sometimes wonder how many of them this street can hold. I caught this particular performer recently, and honestly, I can't really tell what character he is supposed to be. Is he an elf? A goblin? Or maybe a Vulcan like Mr. Spock from the Star Trek saga, given those pointed ears?

You know, it is hard to pin this guy down. If he were an Elf, you would expect a bit more grace, maybe a longing look at the forests of Middle-earth rather than the pavement of Barcelona. If he were a Vulcan, he should be raising a logical eyebrow at our messy human emotions and giving us the "Live Long and Prosper" salute. And Goblins? Well, they are usually the mischievous troublemakers of the fantasy world, scruffy and chaotic, not quite as noble-looking as this silver gentleman. But honestly, under that thick layer of metallic paint, the lines between sci-fi and fantasy get a little blurry!

The Stare Beyond the Crowd

At the moment I took this shot, he wasn't technically "working." In fact, just moments before, he was smoking and had this completely vacant stare into space, looking way beyond his future customers. I bet he was thinking about what a grind this job can get to be sometimes.

But then he seemed to sigh and started finishing his makeup. From the point of view of people photography, I find these artists make a much more striking picture before or after they pose. It is in that precise moment—when they drop the act—that they reveal their true personalities and their souls.

Seasoned Human Statue Sitting in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

The Kafka of Las Ramblas?

Here is yet another street artist—a human statue—that I captured while walking down Las Ramblas towards the sea. You might recognize him from my previous post, but this time I caught him in profile, which I think adds a whole new layer of mystery to the character.

The "weathered man" was sitting on his chair, showing off those impeccably painted clothes and glasses while he appeared to read a book (or maybe write one in his head). In this light, the silver paint really highlights the deep lines in his face, giving him a dignified, aged look.

The Man Behind the Silver Glasses

Honestly, I couldn't really tell if he was sleeping or secretly watching people drop coins into his can. His eyes were completely hidden behind a thin, reddish-orange coat of paint right in the middle of his spectacles. It’s a clever trick—he can see you, but you can never quite catch his gaze.

The whole disguise made him look incredibly elegant, like some famous intellectual from the past frozen in thought. He reminds me of a silver Franz Kafka, quietly observing the absurdity of the world passing by. Of course, he wouldn't confirm or deny that accusation—being a statue and all, he’s the strong, silent type.