The Spanish philosopher Ortega y Gasset stated: “I am myself and my circumstances.” And in this way, there are artists that reflect the personality of the city in which they emerge. This is the case of BikedeSuro, born from the convergence of several factors in Valencia: the wine culture of the Mediterranean, the tradition of cork obtained from our cork oak forests, the environmentalism that goes hand in hand with a passion for bicycles and recycling, and the open-mindedness of the city towards Street art.
Even the nickname “Bikedesuro” has deep roots in the capital of the Turia. The origin of the nickname was quite funny and incidental. BikeDeSuro explains: “I was thinking of a name that didn’t exist, and I was clear that it should include the words ‘bicycle’ and ‘cork.’ I’ve always liked playing with phrases in two languages, as you can see in my stickers ‘La Vie In Bike.’ Then, I thought of a popular phrase we use in València in a humorous way, ‘cap de suro’ (cork head), and from there, the name ‘BikeDeSuro’ (Cork & Bicycle) was born, where ‘suro’ means cork in the local language of València.”
“I was thinking of a name that didn’t exist, and I was clear that it should include the words ‘bicycle’ and ‘cork.’ I’ve always liked playing with phrases in two languages, as you can see in my stickers ‘La Vie In Bike.’ Then, I thought of a popular phrase we use in València in a humorous way, ‘cap de suro’ (cork head), and from there, the name ‘BikeDeSuro’ (Cork & Bicycle) was born, where ‘suro’ means cork in the local language of València.”
BikeDeSuro shares how they make their pieces: “It’s not just about taking a wine cork and cutting it; it’s a slow process that requires patience and concentration, something that helps me disconnect”. The steps include selecting and cooking the corks, cutting them into slices, and letting them dry in the sun for approximately 24 hours. Then, the BikeDeSuro pieces are precisely assembled, and sometimes, they are inspired to send messages to the world through their artworks, such as “No War” or using LGBTIQ+ colors to advocate for a kinder world.
The city of València treats BikeDeSuro with kindness and recognition. The artist mentions: “Sometimes, I walk down the street, and there are people who already know me and greet me as ‘Hey, Bike.’ I usually try to remain anonymous on my social media, where I don’t post pictures of myself, as I want the BikeDeSuro to be the protagonists. I like it when families with their children touch one of the bikes that are on the street, even if some are placed at a higher height. I also see tourists taking photos of them. It makes me happy to surprise people that way, and sometimes, I give them stickers, something we often do in València.”
“Sometimes, I walk down the street, and there are people who already know me and greet me as ‘Hey, Bike.’ I usually try to remain anonymous on my social media, where I don’t post pictures of myself, as I want the BikeDeSuro to be the protagonists. I like it when families with their children touch one of the bikes that are on the street, even if some are placed at a higher height. I also see tourists taking photos of them. It makes me happy to surprise people that way, and sometimes, I give them stickers, something we often do in València.”
Regarding their intention with their art, BikeDeSuro says “I like promoting the bicycle culture, as I believe it’s better for both people and the planet. With the BikeDeSuro, I seek to convey that positive message and brighten the walks of people who lift their heads from their phones and look at the city and its changes. I also like sending positive messages of support for the LGBTIQ+ community, recycling, against war, racism, and in support of free art.”
When asked about their artistic influences, BikeDeSuro mentions another street artist from Valencia who is highly respected and the bicycle movement that has captivated many: “I have always liked relief street art, international artists like @gregosart or @invaderwashere who create their pieces in relief. Whenever I travel or walk through cities, I pay attention to the facades and those small changes in them achieved through relief street art. Later, I started noticing new artists like @mrtb62, who is already an authority in València, or artists like @mrwillcoles or @valenciabikespirit.
Then came the revolution of the bicycle world in the city of València, where I live. I wanted to be part of this, I thought. I wanted people to roam the city as I do and be delighted or surprised by my artworks.
For New York readers interested in learning more about their art, BikeDeSuro has a message: “When you stroll through your city or travel, look beyond the mobile phone screen, beyond social media and apps. Life is happening outside all around us, and art is not just found in museums and galleries or in a perfect photo on a social media platform. Art is in the streets, on facades, lampposts, walls—in the street art that turns the streets into the world’s largest free museum.”
“When you stroll through your city or travel, look beyond the mobile phone screen, beyond social media and apps. Life is happening outside all around us, and art is not just found in museums and galleries or in a perfect photo on a social media platform. Art is in the streets, on facades, lampposts, walls—in the street art that turns the streets into the world’s largest free museum.”
They invite you to visit their Instagram @BikeDeSuro to discover their art born from a fusion of their passion for art, craftsmanship, creative recycling, street art, and the world of bicycles.
As unity is strength, this artist has managed to bring together other street artists to participate collectively in events. “ValenciArte is a group of friends who share a passion for street art and art in general, connecting through encounters in the streets, exhibitions, or social media to follow each other’s work. They include followers and photographers of street art and general photography, as well as artisans and contemporary artists. The idea and objective of coming together arose very spontaneously, as friendships and a sense of family grew. They form a diverse crew where different artistic disciplines, such as poetry, watercolor, drawing, contemporary art, and craftsmanship, unite to hold exhibitions together, talk, and learn from one another. They all contribute their creations to the streets.”
Regarding their future projects, BikeDeSuro has exciting plans: “For the next year, I plan to continue making bikes and many cork hearts, but also collaborate with other artists. I also have ideas for paying tribute to the world of art in general. And I want to participate in a street art festival, which would be a dream come true. But, you never know, the future is uncertain, and street art is ephemeral,” reveals the artist.
Finally, BikeDeSuro shares a message of encouragement for those who wish to express themselves through street art: “I would tell them not to be afraid, not to fear criticism—criticism is good, it helps you grow and learn from mistakes. I would tell them to be brave and to showcase their art in whatever way they can, and not to give up. Everything must be done with love and patience, and above all, to do what they love. It’s normal that not everyone will like what you do; I’ve received messages making fun of the BikeDeSuro. It’s true that the first ones were very basic, but I also received many positive and supportive messages.”
