P H O T O C O N T E S T " F A C E S O F T H E R A S T R O

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1 PHOTO CONTEST "FACES OF THE RASTRO" We at Naked Madrid launched a photo contest together with the Madrid-based art platform, A Second Art, and Boconó coffee shop from April 20-27, under the theme Faces of the Rastro. The aim was to promote art in Madrid and get people even more excited about getting their cameras out, sharing their photos, and looking to capture the beauty of the Rastro flea market. It s that simple. And the result?

2 Check out the six winning photos below along with a story behind each one. These photos are also featured on A Second Art in Spanish, as well as Boconó Art Wall (calle Embajadores, 3), a family-run specialty coffee shop in the

3 heart of Madrid. A warm congrats to the winners and a big thank you to all those who participated. We ll be announcing new art projects soon, so stay tuned! 1) Mark Makepeace, US

4 Card Hawkers

5 2) Chiara Giacobbe, Italy / Website: chiaragiacobbe.myportfolio.com

6 This photo was taken on a sunny Sunday morning at the Rastro flea market. After a while walking in the market, this talented guy drew my attention in a second, so I decided to focus on him for my project. I have been attracted by his collection of various engines, all handmade with aluminum. Really interesting stuff, especially because many people was buying from him! 3) Marcos García, Spain (two photos) / marcos@casalderrey.com

7 Wisdom acquired over the years changes the contents of your shopping cart. They had splendid pasts apart. Now they re friends and live together wrapped up like babies in the shelter of the Rastro. 4) Leah Pattem, UK / Website:

8 I feel so lucky to live in the heart of El Rastro and witness a 400year-old community of quirky characters going about their everyday lives. Sometimes it feels as though nothing has changed in all this time, especially when the local girls bust out their best moves to the flamenco blasting from the bar downstairs. El Rastro is a truly inspiring place, and I couldn t imagine living anywhere else in the world. 5) Jose Enrique Arias Valverde, Spain / Facebook: enrique.arisval

9 The story behind this photo the truth is that it s you. I mean, I ve never participated in a contest or anything. Nor the idea of going out to capture people on the street with my camera. I m more used to studios and using models to take headshots. But since I discovered Boconó, I don t know how to explain it the air you breathe in your café and the good vibes you bring, is what motivated me to take a few walks around the Rastro this Sunday with my camera, and here s the result. If you want to see the Spanish-language version of the article, visit A Second Art! BOCONÓ ART WALL, MADRID-BASED SECOND" PHOTOGRAPHY BY "A About three weeks ago I went into a new specialty coffee shop in La Latina, Boconó, and ordered a cortado to go. The next time I stopped in, I had the chance to sit down with the owner, Carlos, and my friend, José Luis, who happens to be a regular Boconó customer. Our conversation gave me plenty to write about for a first post on Naked Madrid, but there s so much more to the story!

10 What do you do with a big white wall? As we were talking, we couldn t help but notice the blank wall in need of attention. José Luis, who s a photographer, took out his phone and started snapping photos of coffee cups located around the café, adding filters and creating unique images. One thing led to another, and we all agreed we should transform that floor-to-ceiling canvas into a photo gallery. Then

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12 The process It took José Luis, Andrea (another friend) and I over a week to get it all set up. I couldn t possibly count how many hours we ve spent in Boconó s basement cutting paper, fitting photos and tinkering with random bits of material. Nor how many trips we ve taken to the print shop and hardware store. Not to mention how many picture frames we bought, and how many we broke

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16 And today, as I look at the wall, I see so much more than beautiful artwork on display. I see the entire creative process that went on behind it, from the first day we sat down with Carlos at his café and pitched the idea, to the way the photos catch your eye even as you walk down the street and peer through Boconó s window.

17 It s thrilling to see how that seemingly random idea is now something real.

18 Boconó Art Wall No longer a big white wall, Bocono Art Wall has become a showcase for local Madrid artists. Come and enjoy your coffee and take a look at the featured exhibits which will change monthly. If you re an artist and want your work to be showcased, get in touch with A Second on Facebook. Current exhibit A Second / Art The first installation features the images shot at Boconó itself photos that capture the essence of its coffee, ambience and the neighborhood. All photos are by José Luis Magaña, creator of A Second, a Madrid-based platform meant to create, inspire and share art projects in the city (show some support by liking the Facebook and Instagram pages, please!).

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20 More to come Thank you, Carlos, for your generosity and openness to create a space that supports artists in your café. We look forward to collaborating with you on the Boconó Art Wall and other art-related projects that are currently in the works. Stay with us as we announce upcoming exhibits, as well as other venues in the near future! Info #boconoartwall Where: Boconó Specialty Coffee Shop (calle Embajadores, @nakedmadrid When: February 17, 17 (ongoing) Also read our full article on Boconó, a Specialty Coffee Shop in Plaza de Cascorro MADRID NOW IN FULL BLOOM. HURRY! QUINTA DE LOS MOLINOS PARQUE What do peach, cherry, apple, plum and almond trees have in common? They blossom. These pinks and whites were designed to remind us that spring is just around the bend. And almond trees are open right now, right here in Madrid. They are in full bloom for only two to three weeks so tick tock!

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23 Most of us have heard of Sakura, which means season of the cherry blossoms in Japan. Unbeknownst to many, it is not only cities like Kyoto that have these springtime favorites. The almond tree, in particular, is abundant in Parque Quinta de los Molinos. Just in front of estación Suanzes (Linea 5 or green line) is the entrance to what is almost like another world. Amidst the backdrop of vivid and rambunctious Madrid, is a subtle and tranquil oasis. There are no stores or cafes in the park, but your friendly alimentacion secos or food stores are available on Calle Alcala, right around the exit of the metro. Before entering the park premises, grab a sandwich, a fresco, and maybe some nuts to share with the birds, and you are set for a lovely picnic under the almond trees. It is said that the park was originally the property of a rich count, but later was donated as public space. The approximately 25-hectare park has hundreds of almond trees, and also olive groves, pines, and eucalyptus. You can literally see and smell spring here! It was no surprise that tourists and locals had their cameras on-hand while ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the sights overhead. It s a great idea if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center for a bit.

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26 So go ahead. Plan to take a stroll. Bring your loved ones. Bring your pets. Leave your worries behind. Make your way to Parque Quinta pronto. The contributing writer is Roy Macaraig. He is a project manager on sabbatical in Madrid. LinkedIn. Photographs are by his wife, Jenny Peñas. Website. Info: Parque Quinta de los Molinos Address: Calle de Alcalá, 527, Madrid How to get there: Metro: Suanzes (L5) Schedule: 6.30 to 22.00