In the capital of Tenerife lies one of the most intriguing and lesser-known works of urban art in the Canary Islands: The 100 Faces of the Tenerife Auditorium. This outdoor mural consists of portraits painted on the volcanic rocks of the breakwater next to the iconic Auditorium.
The work was created between 2010 and 2011 by Bulgarian artist Stojko Gagamov, who dedicated eight months to bringing this project to life. His work began with images of the architect Santiago Calatrava—the designer of the Auditorium—and tenor Luciano Pavarotti, continuing until he had completed a total of 100 faces.
Art on the Coastal Rocks
Although some figures were painted on concrete cubes, the majority of The 100 Faces were created on the dark volcanic stones that protect the coast. To enhance the portraits, Gagamov employed a visual technique: he painted a larger white silhouette around each image, creating the impression of a natural frame surrounding each face.
An Outdoor Gallery Featuring Music Icons
The selection of characters includes both classical and modern artists, as well as personalities linked to culture and history. Among them are renowned names such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Paco de Lucía, Freddie Mercury, Stevie Wonder, Montserrat Caballé, Jimi Hendrix, Alfredo Kraus, Plácido Domingo, Paul McCartney, Beethoven, Mozart, and Vivaldi.
Legendary groups like ABBA, Bee Gees, and prominent orchestral conductors such as Riccardo Muti also feature. The diversity of musical styles represented makes this work a global tribute to music and those who have left their mark with their talent.
Artistic Heritage in Santa Cruz
Over time, The 100 Faces of the Tenerife Auditorium has solidified its place as one of the most unique artistic interventions in the capital. While often overlooked by visitors to the Auditorium, it constitutes a true outdoor museum that pays homage to music in all its forms.
Those visiting Santa Cruz can not only enjoy Calatrava’s architecture and the Auditorium’s cultural programme, but also embark on this curious visual journey through some of the most influential artists in the recent and classical history of music.
Critiques
Despite this, errors in the spelling of some names—such as Phil Collins appearing as Fill Collins—or the challenges of painting on stone resulting in some faces not closely resembling their counterparts, have led to a range of criticisms or mockery towards The 100 Faces, beyond the categorisation of its creator.
In the travel series Travel Man, hosted by Richard Ayoade and available on Disney, he states that it looks “like the work of a deranged serial killer.” However, during that same episode, they praise its uniqueness for encompassing the entire history of music.
Stojko Gagamov: The Artist Who Left His Mark on Tenerife with The 100 Faces
Stojko Gagamov is a Bulgarian artist known in the Canary Islands for creating The 100 Faces of the Tenerife Auditorium, an outdoor mural adorning the rocks of the breakwater adjacent to the Auditorium in Santa Cruz.
Gagamov’s work is characterised by the fusion of the natural landscape and artistic expression, using unconventional mediums such as the coastal stones. This has added a new cultural and tourist attraction to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which, although often going unnoticed, remains a reference point for urban art in the Canary Islands.
