THE ARTIST AND THEIR ART

Author

MANTRA BY TORBE36

MANTRA BY TORBE36 [THIS MURAL IS AT THE APPLE MARKET]


This series of photographs is from my August 2019 visit and back then the images were unusable but I have managed to reprocess the RAW files and while they have issues I have decided to publish them now [18 October 2025] as I want to create a comprehensive record of my visits to Waterford.

The compelling street art piece titled 'Mantra' is located in the vibrant Apple Market area of Waterford City (25 Michael St, Waterford, X91 R671, Ireland). This striking mural was a contribution to the Waterford Walls International Street Art Festival in 2018, bringing a unique Mexican perspective to the city's growing collection of public art.

The Artist and His Art: Torbe 36

The mural was created by the talented Mexican painter, Torbe 36. He is an active part of the contemporary Mexican graffiti scene, and his work often showcases a mastery of technique and a profound creativity rooted in urban expression.

The artist's skill is highlighted by his expertise in managing spray paint—or 'mixing cans'—to achieve complex textures and colours. While 'Mantra' is a specific piece in Waterford, Torbe 36's broader portfolio demonstrates the technical knowledge and artistic flair celebrated in the street art community.

A Global Collaboration

Torbe 36’s presence at Waterford Walls was particularly significant as it formed part of a larger, global artistic exchange.

The artist had previously demonstrated his considerable talent during a joint international project titled Seawalls "Water is One" in Querétaro, Mexico. This initiative, produced by organisations "Nuevearteurbano" and "Pangeaseed", focused on marine conservation through art.

His participation in Waterford Walls in 2018 was therefore more than just painting a wall; it was the opening of a valuable creative 'window' between two continents (Europe and North America), linking two projects and two cultures that share a common passion for impactful urban art and global collaboration.

Mural Condition and History

The artwork was completed in 2018. When it was photographed approximately a year later in August 2019, it appeared somewhat worn. This initial deterioration may have been due to the specific surface or texture of the wall itself, which can affect the longevity of street art. Despite this, the mural proved resilient, as it was still present and confirmed to be in reasonable condition in September 2025. This speaks to the commitment of Waterford Walls and the city to maintain the integrity of these valuable public artworks.