“Fortaleza”, voted 4th best mural in the world in 2021.
The graffiti artist Tardor Roselló, a native of La Xara (Alicante), has once again placed his work on the international map of urban art with an achievement that marks a before and after in his career. His mural “Fortaleza” has been recognized as the 4th best mural in the world painted in 2021, according to the prestigious international platform Street Art Cities, specialized in contemporary muralism and with presence in more than 900 cities.
The mural, located in the Alicante municipality of Denia, was initially selected among the 100 best murals of the year worldwide, standing out for its visual strength, its message and the sensitivity with which it was executed. Subsequently, thanks to an open international public vote, Fortaleza made it into the global Top 10, finally reaching fourth place, ahead of works carried out in cities such as New York, Paris, Cape Town and Buenos Aires. This recognition was possible, in large part, thanks to the massive support of the public, which turned out to back the Valencian artist’s candidacy.
A work that speaks of inner power
Fortaleza is not only a striking image, it is also a visual metaphor about human resilience, about the capacity we have to stand up, to resist in the face of adversity and to grow from our own wounds. The mural depicts a large, powerful female figure, connected to nature, with a firm gaze that conveys integrity and calm. The elements that surround her -roots, vegetation, organic structures- reinforce this idea of rootedness, of connection with the essential, of balance in the face of the storm.
The work is fully integrated into the rural environment of the municipality, bringing color and symbolism to a wall that, before the intervention, went unnoticed. The project was enthusiastically welcomed by the local population, who from the very first moment felt identified with the message and with Tardor’s creative process, which is always committed to accessible, emotive art, full of human content.
An achievement with great impact
The nomination and subsequent recognition of Fortaleza as one of the best murals in the world did not go unnoticed. Numerous media, both nationally and internationally, echoed the news. Channels such as La Sexta, Cuatro, RTVE or even National Geographic highlighted the strength of the mural and the merit of the artist, who with a work made from a small village in the interior of the Marina Alta has managed to break through in the global panorama of urban art.
This kind of visibility not only reinforces the international projection of Spanish muralism, but also highlights the transformative potential of public art in rural environments. In Tardor’s own words: “Sometimes very big things can come out of a small place. That a work born in a town so close to my roots reaches so far is exciting, and also a proof that art has the ability to connect people beyond borders, languages or cultures.”
Recognition of committed art
The success of Fortaleza also represents the recognition of a committed artistic approach, where muralism is not only an aesthetic issue, but a tool for social reflection, connection with the environment and dialogue with the community. Tardor Roselló’s work is characterized by a strong symbolic presence, a great emotional charge and a will to generate positive impact wherever he paints. His murals are not just images; they are narratives, open questions, mirrors in which anyone can recognize themselves.
This award is not a point of arrival, but an impulse. It is an extra motivation to continue developing projects in the public space, to continue exploring new ways of narrating the human from urban art, and to continue bringing muralism closer to the people, with authenticity, sensitivity and a deep respect for each intervened place.
