A vibrant figure on the Spanish art scene
In early 2025, Spain’s cultural community was shaken by the news of the death of Amaia Arrazola, a renowned artist and illustrator. Her life was connected to many cities: from Vitoria, where she was born, to Madrid and Barcelona, where her artistic style developed. Arrazola began drawing as a child but set it aside for a while after facing prejudice. Later, she studied advertising in Madrid, then moved to Barcelona to continue her education in design. There, she discovered her calling and chose to stay, despite her initial plans to return.
Murals, books, and workshops: her contribution to culture
Amaia Arrazola’s works can be found not only throughout Spain, but also internationally—in Japan, France, Italy, Romania, and Morocco. Her murals brighten the streets of Madrid, Pamplona, Barcelona’s Gràcia district, as well as schools and cultural centers. Arrazola was an active participant in international street art festivals, where her style—spontaneous and rich in color and emotion—always drew attention. In addition to her public art, she created books for both children and adults, including illustrated journals and projects focused on motherhood and adapting to new circumstances. Her workshops and creative meetups were especially popular among children and aspiring artists.
Friendship, inspiration, and family values
Within the professional community, Amaia Arrazola was valued not only for her talent but also for her ability to bring people together. Colleagues noted her energy, generosity, and her support during difficult times. Among friends, she was a source of ideas and inspiration, always ready for new projects and collaborative ventures. Family held a special place in her life: together with her partner Txemy Basualto, they created a warm home where every item had its own story. For her daughter Ane, Arrazola designed a special space, and at Pau Casals School in Barcelona, her signature mural and a classroom named in her honor can be found.
Legacy and Remembrance
Amaia Arrazola’s creative legacy includes dozens of murals, books dedicated to travel and Japanese culture, as well as children’s projects. Her work can be found in bookstores, at festivals, and in private collections. After her passing, many artists, publishers, and art lovers offered condolences and shared memories of working together. Social media was filled with posts featuring photos of her art and heartfelt tributes. For many, her creativity became a symbol of vitality and openness to the world.
Today, Amaia Arrazola is remembered as someone who managed to unite art, friendship, and family values, leaving a vivid mark on Spanish culture.
