Graphic art in the street: Paco Roca

The Instituto Cervantes in Manchester presents on its façade a mural created by renowned illustrator Paco Roca. The artwork explores the connection between illustration and language, with the letter Ñ as a symbol of the identity and richness of the Spanish language.

Paco Roca (Valencia, 1969) Illustrator and comic book author, Paco Roca studied at the School of Arts and Crafts in Valencia. His work, translated into more than a dozen languages, has become an international benchmark. He began publishing with La Cúpula and, since then, most of his output has been linked to Astiberri.

Among his most notable titles are Arrugas [Wrinkles] (National Comic Award 2008), El invierno del dibujante [The Winter of the Cartoonist], Los surcos del azar [Twists of Fate], La casa [The House], Regreso al Edén [Return to Eden] and El abismo del olvido (2024). He has received numerous awards, including the Inkpot Award at San Diego Comic-Con and Spain’s Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts.

Several of his works have been adapted for film and television, such as Arrugas (winner of the Goya for Best Animated Film) and La casa (2024). He has also created murals in public spaces and collaborated with media such as RNE. His work has been exhibited at institutions including IVAM, Fundación Telefónica and the Angoulême International Comics Festival. Since 2024, he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Spain’s National Library.