faro lighthouse in spain undergoes a vibrant transformation by okuda san miguel

spanish artist okuda san miguel completes his colorful transformation of the ajo lighthouse entitled ‘infinite cantabria.’ the painter and sculptor continues his signature style comprising vibrant geometric patterns that integrate animals, skulls, and religious iconography. with the iconic figure of the faro lighthouse, or ‘faro de ajo,’ the artist reflects the natural and cultural diversity of his homeland, cantabria. since opening to the public at the end of august 2020, the work has been viewed by over ten thousand recorded visitors.

images by beatriz carretero, omar h. garcia

okuda san miguel comments on his completed work at cantabria’s faro lighthouse: ‘it has been a unique experience, both because of the artistic challenge that it has brought about for me, as well having carried this project out in my homeland,’ the artistic intervention had been commissioned by the port authority of santander and the bareyo town council earlier this year. the completed public work now shines with over seventy colors captured on the tower’s cylindrical walls which rise to a height of over 50 feet (16 meters). 

projecting his work across the faro lighthouse (faro de ajo), okuda san miguel introduces a unique symbol. the tower now stands as the first lighthouse to be artistically intervened along the entire spanish coast, and this has been carried out in such a way which respects its original function of assisting ships as a maritime signal. the theme chosen for this location celebrates the natural wealth of the region by representing local fauna and, with its textures, the cultural diversity of a modern and open cantabria, which is connected to the world.

project info:

project title: infinite cantabria

artist: okuda san miguel

location: cantabria, spain

completion: august 2020

photography: beatriz carretero, omar h. garcia