The Graffiti Jam was a great success.  Be sure to check out the new murals and graffiti at the Pelicans beach entrance, Cabinas Chale, Hotel Torro Blanco, Super New China, and between San Carlos Hardware and MegaSuper.  There are some wonderful works, and my favorite is this piece by Sebastian Ayala that highlights nature in bold colors and resonates the reminder ‘Be Here Now’.

This art festival aims to transform public spaces with colorful and uplifting murals, showcase national talent, and integrate culture, youth, and environmental awareness in an inspiring experience of creative expression.  The event kicks off Thursday evening with an artist meet-and-greet at The Palms Hotel.  We are expecting more than forty artists, around 3/4 local to Costa Rica, and 1/4 coming from abroad.  They will be painting Friday - Sunday at eight different walls within the Coco community: off Coco's main street by Ferretería San Carlos; on the road to Ocotal by Super New China, Los Cartagos, and Taco Rosado; and off of carretera la Chorrera the Pelícanos beach entrance, Cabinas Chale, and Hotel Puerta del Sol.  The closing party will be at Zi Lounge Sunday evening with live DJs, MCs, and break-dancers.  All activities are open to the public free of charge, but if you’d like to make a contribution to support this initiative and help it become a regular event in Coco, you may do so via Sinpe or Paypal, or at the opening and closing events.  This festival is made possible with the sponsorship of Loop Colors and Artopia, and the generous support from local businesses and organizations receiving the artists including Anika Boutique Suites, Toro Blanco Hotel, The Palms Hotel, Hotel M&M Beach House, Hotel Colono Beach, Hotel La Puerta del Sol, Villa del Sol Boutique Hotel, Island Golf Cart Rentals, Ferretería San Carlos, ADICOCO, la Municipalidad de Carrillo, and La Asociación de Cultura.

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By Kendall ‘Kech’ Valverde

70 x 95 cm, Airbrush on Canvas

To view works or commission something new, contact Kech: +506 8497 9285

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Kech began experimenting with aerosol painting technique at the age of twelve–his first works on the walls in his mother's house and throughout San Jose’s city neighborhoods where he grew up.  He was drawn to the bubble letters his mother used to label his school notebooks, and he would sneak spray paint from his father’s workshop to practice this ‘bombing’ style on the walls.  Since these early explorations of ‘tagging’ and ‘bombing’ Kech has been compelled continually to try new techniques and investigate different styles, and although he has not pursued any formal art training, his work has naturally evolved from tags and graffiti lettering into images and expressive murals.  While Kech specializes in large-scale works in aerosol, as he has expanded into painting on canvases and creating custom hats, he’s developed techniques with airbrush, acrylic, and pen to achieve the smallest of details.

Watching an artist work in aerosol can be captivating, seeing how shapes and layers come together, and how quickly we can witness an image transform.  It draws our interest and attention, a unique look into an artist’s process and view.  This large-scale work of vibrant color and sea life was painted live at a community event in the park.  It measures 288 x 173 cm, aerosol on canvas.  Contact Kech to coordinate a live painting experience.  +506 8497 9285

Found in Costa Rica’s tropical forests, the red-eye tree frog displays an interesting color dichotomy.  While at rest with eyes closed and limbs tucked in close, only its bright green body can be seen, allowing it to camouflage among the foliage.  When threatened however, the frog startles predators, flashing its striking red eyes, orange feet, and blue and yellow striped sides, giving it a moment to escape.  These frogs for the most part are active at night and live near water sources high in trees, using their sticky toes to grip leaves and branches.  This painting measures 184 x 136 cm, spray paint on canvas. 

​Contact Kendall to view works or commission something new.   +506 8497 9285

The striking appearance of the Emperor Angelfish makes a drastic transformation over twenty-four to thirty months as the fish matures to the adult phase.  While the juveniles exhibit a dark blue body with white and electric blue concentric rings becoming vertical lines at the face, over time the coloration and pattern shift to blue and yellow horizontal stripes on the body, a yellow tail fin, and a light blue face with a dark blue mask over the eyes.  This painting measures 60cm x 60cm, acrylic and airbrush on canvas.

Contact Kendall to view works or commission something new.   +506 8497 9285