Fendetestas, a mural by the Galician artist Mon Devane, stands as a vibrant centerpiece in Sigrás, part of the Chromatic festival camber. The piece earned a prestigious nod as the world’s best mural for July on the global Street Art Cities platform, marking a rare distinction for Galicia and a notable selection from Spain. This recognition opens doors for further opportunities and rewards tied to the festival’s celebration of bold color and public artistry. The mural dates back to 2022 and continues to inspire conversations about urban imagery and community presence in public spaces.
Devane expressed gratitude to everyone who voted for the mural to be Best of July on Street Art Cities. He shared the news with his followers, emphasizing the energy and encouragement that such recognition brings to the colorful storytelling of urban walls. The achievement underscores the platform’s role in highlighting street art across borders and communities, fueling conversations about color, form, and place in contemporary murals.
In recent remarks to a local publication, the artist described the impact of the accolade as beneficial for all involved. The recognition, he suggested, could help bring attention to the Cambe area, the festival itself, and the broader street art movement. He noted that global visibility can translate into tangible interest from audiences far beyond the town, potentially drawing visitors who seek out Cambre, its art scene, and Devane’s ongoing projects. This ripple effect opens channels for collaboration, commissions, and a renewed sense of investment in public art projects.
Mon Devane from Ourense drew inspiration for Fendetestas from a theatrical lineage and a desire to animate the surrounding environment. The mural depicts a character rooted in folklore and local storytelling, set against the textured wall of an old Alba boarding house that now serves as a canvas. The choice of location adds historical texture to the artwork, inviting viewers to explore the architectural memory of the area while engaging with a contemporary visual narrative.
Since 2003, Devane has relied on spray paint as his primary medium, developing a photorealistic language across large-scale canvases. His career in urban art has included numerous international festival appearances since 2016, positioning him among a generation of artists who blend technical precision with expressive color. A notable milestone arrived with the March 2021 unveiling of Las Estrellas del Camino, an exhibition curated by Estrella Galicia that showcased murals along the celebrated French Road from O Cebreiro to Compostela, highlighting how public walls can function as accessible galleries that tell regional stories to a broad audience. This body of work demonstrates a commitment to public spaces as dynamic stages for artistic dialogue and cultural connection.