When it comes to street art, Florence, Italy is not just about Renaissance masterpieces like Michelangelo's David. It's also home to a vibrant and unconventional street art scene, with one artist in particular who goes by the name Blub. Blub, who has gained international recognition for his unique style, takes recognisable portraits and submerges them underwater. Intrigued? So are we!
So Who is Blub?
Blub is a mysterious street artist who has made a name for himself in Florence and beyond, gaining notoriety largely thanks to his pasted murals from the series “L’Arte Sa Nuotare". His signature style involves painting famous faces, from historical figures to pop culture icons, and placing them underwater. This distinctive technique adds an unexpected twist to his artwork, creating a whimsical and thought-provoking experience for viewers.
BLUB'S VERMEER - GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
Why Underwater?
So, why does Blub paint his subjects underwater? Well, it turns out there's a deeper meaning behind it. By submerging his portraits, Blub symbolises the transient nature of life and the constant flow of time. Just as water is ever-changing, so too are our lives. It's a reminder to embrace the present moment and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Blub's Influence on Street Art
Blub's unconventional approach to street art has inspired a new wave of artists (and families like us) around the world. His ability to merge classical art with contemporary street art has captivated audiences and sparked conversations about the intersection of tradition and innovation.
BLUB'S VAN GOGH
Exploring Blub's Art
If you find yourself in Florence, make sure to keep your eyes open for the distinctive blue hue of Blub's artwork. We did! His pieces can be found throughout the city, adorning walls and hidden corners. From re-mastered Leonardo da Vinci to Vermeer, Blub's underwater portraits capture the essence of these iconic figures in a truly unique way.
Our Personal Adventure in Florence
On our recent trip to Florence, we set out on a mission to discover Blub's street art for ourselves. After navigating the cobbled streets of Florence, we crossed the Ponte alle Grazie (bridge), went to the end of the road and turned left into Via di San Niccolo. Walking along, map in hand, we arrived at Blub's studio, number 44r Via di San Niccolo (red numbers).
His Van Gogh portrait was on display in the front window and all around were colourful samples of his underwater-themed masterpieces. We lingered there, hoping to meet Blub in person, but unfortunately that was not to be. Nevertheless we were able to pick up some souvenirs, and then set off on our own treasure hunt through the city, eager to spot Blub's artwork in its natural habitat.
Armed again with our trusty map, camera and plenty of enthusiasm, we wandered through narrow alleys, eyes peeled for those iconic submerged characters. It felt just like an Easter egg hunt, with each discovery bringing a rush of joy and accomplishment.
We documented our journey with plenty of photos, capturing images of Blub's art against the historic backdrop of Florence. These images tell the story of our adventure and the beauty of blending modern street art with ancient city charm. Check out the photos below to see some of the incredible works we found on our Blub treasure hunt!
Geo's Insider Tip: We found five of Blub's paintings heading west between his shop and the famous Ponte Vecchio. We travelled up Via di San Niccolo, onto Via de Bardi, past Piazza di Santa Maria, backtracked into Costa S Giorgio, spun around a few times, got a tad lost and then across to the bridge. It was so much fun. Thank you Blub for the adventure and inspiring art lovers like us to get out and about and explore more.
Take a peep at our Instagram TheGeoKidOfficial, and scope out our reel, 'Here's How to Find Blub'.
Start Your Street Art Collection
At The Geo Kid, we are passionate about celebrating street art and the artists who bring colour and creativity to our cities. That's why we've created a special backpack design that pays homage to Blub and his underwater portraits. Our 'Florence Italy' backpack features longitude and latitude coordinates that lead to one of Blub's artworks in Florence (check it out to see which one), allowing you to embark on your own street art adventure either virtually or in person.
Here are the coordinates for you to drop into Google Maps:
Latitude 43.76425 | Longitude 11.26221.
Ready to dive into the world of street art? Start your collection with our Blub-inspired backpack from our Street Art Explorers range "Florence, Italy".
So if you like what you have seen here, we encourage you to research Blub further. Dive into the depths of his artistry and uncover the stories behind his submerged portraits. You'll be amazed by the range of characters he has brought to life beneath the surface.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack, channel your inner explorer, and immerse yourself in the quirky underwater world of Blub. Let's celebrate the great street artists of the world, one backpack at a time!
