This little figure can be found all over Valencia, and I even know the artist behind it—his name is David de Limón. He started creating this character in 1998, a completely black figure with a balaclava, but where its heart is, there’s a small red heart. Starting in the El Carmen district, where this figure is everywhere, it’s slowly making its way into Ruzafa. A slow but steady conquest.
It’s the power of repetition and the joy of recognition that makes this such a compelling image. Those who love Valencia and a bit of playful guerrilla art will appreciate this little guy and his creator. The funny thing is that, despite the balaclava, he doesn’t look threatening at all.
Interestingly, someone has launched a counter-offensive against the spread of this character, spraying red paint over the heart area.