Black Power

Three strong African American faces look straight at us from an ordinary electricity box in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Their clothes and expressions remind us of the Black Panther movement of the 1960s and 70s. It symbolizes pride, strength, and the fight for equality. Spanish artist BTOY created this paste-up during her first visit to Amsterdam. She used her stencil and spray-paint technique to turn an everyday street object into something powerful. By placing the work along a busy bus route, she made sure it would be seen by local people every day. Although made from fragile paper, the piece carries a lasting message of resistance and hope. In a neighbourhood known for its mix of cultures, it connects local life with worldwide stories of struggle and empowerment.

Btoy (Barcelona) is one of the most acclaimed stencil artists of her generation. Born to Uruguayan social-activist parents who fled dictatorship, she grew up with a sharp awareness of justice, identity, and resistance. After abandoning law studies to pursue photography, she soon found her true stage in the streets, where she could explore womanhood, memory, and the ambiguities of gender with bold colour and emotional depth. Her work turns forgotten corners of the city into vibrant reflections on dignity and liberation, capturing the shadows, moods, and stories that time leaves behind. Since her debut in 2008, Btoy has become prolific both outdoors and in the studio, exhibiting internationally in galleries from Paris to Washington, Milan to Beirut. She has also made her mark at major festivals worldwide, including Banksy’s Cans Festival, Amsterdam Street Art Festival, Wool Festival, and Bloop Ibiza. Through her stencils, Btoy brings powerful, intimate portraits to the public eye, ensuring that resilience and beauty never fade into the background.