From New York to Sa Ràpita, urban art at the edge of the beach

Known for his murals that mix art, nature and ecological awareness, the Catalan artist Marc Álvarez (known in the urban art field as Dase) has transformed worldwide spaces into soulful canvases.

Since 2006 he has painted in cities such as New York, Miami, Brussels or Berlin, leaving a recognisable brand that mixes geometry, organic elements, a singular chromatic palette and the use of sustainable materials. His works does not only adorn, but also questions, encourages reflecting and connecting with the environment around us.

His last project has made him travel to Mallorca, where he has left his artistic mark in a coast privileged spot: a new restaurant project that works in the Nautical Club’s facilities, right beside Sa Ràpita’s beach, surrounded by pinewoods, dunes and the Mediterranean sea. “I was contacted to come up with this project, and when I saw the setting, I knew it was a very special place to work and a challenge.” expressed the artist.

In this occasion, the artist has had to integrate his art in a singular architectural space, formed by triangular structures and surfaces. “All this area surrounds you, there’s 360º murals. This wasn’t just a rectangular wall where there is a mural, but also an area that submerges you, an immersive experience in a setting where no competition can be held.” he explained excitedly. This way, the restaurant’s terrace has turned into an authentic outdoors gallery thanks to a piece of art that, beyond the visual impact, its objective is to connect with the rural environment and educate about its protection.”

“My leitmotif is “painting a better planet.” I actually try to make my works inspire a conscience, a sensibility towards good things that I believe that must be protected and to take care of this planet.” emphasized Daze. His creation in Sa Ràpita reflects that philosophy: murals inspired by the sea, the corals, the sand, the Mediterranean sand, which does not try to steal the landscape’s spotlight, but lives together with it. “To me, this art piece is a mirror of what surrounds us, a reflection of the sea, of nature.” he says.

The artistic intervention also dialogues with the cultural environment of the area. In the same coast, a few meters away, there are old defense bunkers that were intervened by other artists, producing a creative continuity between past and present. “Art is culture, it has the capacity of inspiring, promoting and mixing nature and culture. The fact that my art piece is on the same page as the bunkers and that forms part of this nature-art chain seems like something fantastic to me.” says Dase.

The creative process kicked off with complete artistic freedom after a unique petition of the restaurant managers: the art piece must be inspired by nature. From that point forward, the artist digitally developed sketches adapted to every surface, taking into account that visual continuity from every possible angle. “On one side, I wanted the murals to have the chromatic palette that surrounds them, especially with the sand tones, the blues and turquoise. However, I also wanted to create an eye-catching spot because, in the end, I think there’s an integration part and a contrast one that is interesting.” he exposes.

In addition to the esthetic, Dase takes care of every process detail, going got low ecological impact materials: water aerosols with no toxic dissolvent, proximity paints and reusable containers. “It’s about being coherent. If you defend nature’s protection with your works, you must be consistent with the materials you use.” he adds.