El Rughi

Born in 1989 in Martina Franca (Southern Italy), he is a self-taught artist who found his passion for classic graffiti at an early age. Through years of experimentation in the underground scene— painting in the streets, learning new techniques, and connecting with artists across Europe—he developed a distinctive visual language. Now based in Barcelona, his style fuses graffiti, underground comics, psychedelic culture, and contemporary graphics. With a strong focus on the world of children and playful imagination, he describes his work as “children-friendly psychedelic paintings.” Playfulness is a key element in his practice. Beyond murals, he creates large-scale painted board games in public space—turning streets into interactive playgrounds that invite participation and curiosity. He has taken part in numerous street art events and festivals in Hong Kong, Italy, England, Scotland, Spain, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Romania, Malta, and Germany. His work also includes silkscreen printing, tattooing, graphic design for music projects and events, and the self-publishing of fanzines exploring graffiti, street art, and experimental illustration. A DIY ethos runs through it all, driving his ongoing creative exploration.