Biography
Born in Barcelona in 1976, El Pez (José Sabate) is a Spanish graffiti artist famous for the colorful, smiling fish that have graced the streets of his native city since the 1990s. From the outset, he was associated with the graffiti movement, notably with Collectif 19801, crossing paths with other artists such as Chanoir and El Xupet Negre.
His distinctive signature, a smiling fish, became his emblem, transmitting a positive, universal energy to passers-by. This artistic choice quickly attracted attention beyond Barcelona, propelling El Pez onto the international street art scene. His work has traveled across Europe and as far as the United States, where he has taken part in traveling exhibitions with renowned artists such as The London Police and Flying Fortress.
Pez is also known as one of the pioneers of the Logo Art graffiti movement, using repetitive pictograms to criticize the overabundance of advertising in urban space. His work has been widely documented in influential art books, specialist magazines and documentary films, reinforcing his international reputation.
Today, El Pez continues to infuse joy and color into his work, exhibiting in prestigious cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Paris. His smiling fish has become a recognizable symbol in the street art world, captivating a wide audience with his infectious smile and message of urban happiness.
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