You will feel like you don’t have enough eyes when stepping into the world of street art artist Spi-k-tri and his Gangsea team. In the former cave coopérative of Ferrals-les-Corbières, no less than 14,000 m2 has been covered from top to bottom with multiple art disciplines. Over the course of 2.5 km and 18 planets, you will become part of a parallel dimension sprouted from Spi-k-tri’s creative mind.
Spi-k-tri
First of all, let me explain Spi-k-tri’s (pronounced as [spee-kaa-tree]) name. It literally means ‘spirale’ (spiral), representing life, ‘carré’ (square) standing for woman, and ‘triangle’ designating man. The name also symbolises the Golden Ratio Phi 1.618, known as the ‘divine proportion’. From a young age, Spi-k-tri breathed art. He started by customising objects from friends and random finds such as helmets, surfboards and car parts. After receiving an airbrush from his mother, he created his own compressor of recycled parts to get it going. And from then on, there was no stopping him. As Spi-k-tri grew up in this area, he wanted to give something back to the community. So, he bought the former co-operative wine cellar of Ferrals-les-Corbières and completely transformed the 14,000 m2 in only 18 months.
Street Art Universe
I booked my ticket online (20 euros per adult, 12 euros per child between 6 and 17 years old). After collecting it at the reception, I was guided to the start of the museum, where I got a brief explanation of what I was about to experience. It was very interesting to learn more about Spi-k-tri and his motives, and soon enough the guide left me by myself to start exploring. I don’t exactly know how to describe this overwhelming museum with over 2,000 pieces of art. I’ll try to give an impression… Besides paintings and wall art, you will also see installations and statues all made of recycled materials. The first part of the visit is in a 4-storey building and starts with Spi-k-tri’s early work. From here, you are immersed into his universe called ‘Earthrum’, the dark ‘Aggressive Art’ Planet, and on to ‘Love Revolution’ and ‘Ganstarium’.
Recycled materials
The Street Art Universe is best visited by following the direction of the orange arrows. Leaving the first building led me to the second- main- building. Over two floors, 16 corridors, each representing a different planet, open onto a central hallway. I was amazed by the recycled materials used to create the pieces of art. Spi-k-tri and his co-artists have used anything that came their way in the form it presented itself to them. Look closer, and you’ll discover everything from tins, maps, and typewriters to spray cans, shoes and skies. Even the files and folders that were left piled up metres high in the former cave coopératif offices have created a fierce-looking creature. If you want to take a break, you can chill in one of the decorated armchairs.
Overconsumption
The last two planets find themselves in the third building where there used to be huge wine tanks. ‘Katedrarium’ shows the eight sins of humanity before walking to the aisle of overconsumption. The last planet, ‘Duelirium,’ makes you think about the duality between good and evil. After this visual feast, I stepped outside to admire one of the biggest murals at Spi-k-tri’s Street Art Universe. The life-sized giant whale covers the whole exterior wall of the penultimate planet. If you want, you can have a picnic in the equally decorated designated space while letting it all sink in. You can easily spend a few hours here, or even longer! I hope this post is an inspiration for a visit, so you can explore this unique venue for yourself.
