One characteristic that Barcelona shares with some South American cities is an abundance of street art.  However, here the term needs to be more precise – ‘shutter art’ is more accurate. When the shops and bars close, the narrow streets fill with colour.  It’s a rule, not an exception, in the barrio of Gracia where we are staying. Today, as I walked the streets, I looked for unadorned shutters – and found only two.  Yet the brickwork, without exception, is untouched by spray paint.  The occasional doorway also provide a canvas.

(Click on any image in the gallery to view individually)