“Blub”

One of the most unexpectedly, delightful parts of exploring Florence this summer has been discovering the street art that hides around every corner. Blub is a street artist who (allegedly) lives and works in Florence. Much like Banksy, he has chosen to remain anonymous and only a few people know his true identity. No one knows whether Blub is a boy or a girl or even how old he or she is. The art here is from his “L’arte Sa Nuoarte” series, and meaning “art knows how to swim.” In a rare interview that I read with Blub, he said that the series is based around giving new life to the classical Renaissance works that Florence is so famous for. Blub only puts his prints up on the various metal gas and water meters so as not to disturb the actual walls of the buildings. His prints will move periodically throughout Florence, which only adds to the fun. I have loved getting to see a print that I loved in one place moved to a completely new space. Giant commissions of Blub’s work are even displayed in the luxury hotel, the Villa San Michelle. His work is bright, playful and just plain fun. My goal is to find of his prints by the end of the summer!