Ben Harper, 2010

Edgar Plans is a Spanish contemporary artist whose work blends urban art influences with a childlike visual language to examine complex social and emotional themes. Born in Madrid in 1977 and raised in the Asturias region, Plans developed a signature style characterized by bold brushstrokes, cartoonish figures, and raw, expressive lines. His recurring “Lil Heroes” characters—small, wide-eyed figures often dressed in superhero costumes—embody a mix of innocence, idealism, and activism. Plans frequently uses this aesthetic to tackle pressing issues such as inequality, environmental degradation, and identity, all while maintaining an atmosphere of playfulness and hope. His work invites viewers to look at the world through a child’s lens while still confronting adult realities.

One of his notable early works, Ben Harper (2010), exemplifies this intersection of innocence and depth. Executed in acrylic and mixed media on canvas, the painting measures 120 x 140 cm (47 1/4 x 55 1/9 inches) and is signed by the artist at the bottom right. While the title references the American musician Ben Harper—an artist known for socially conscious lyrics—the visual language in Plans’ work remains rooted in his personal universe of expressive characters and gestural mark-making. The textured surface and layered materials speak to Plans’ interest in blending high and low cultural references, while the figure (presumably inspired by or symbolizing Harper) becomes a vehicle for broader commentary on creativity, resistance, and emotional expression. As an early work, Ben Harper reveals the evolution of Plans’ artistic vocabulary and his commitment to using art as a channel for empathy and awareness.