Culture, Spaces & People

Un performance llamado “Oxímorón” donde hizo un graffiti invisible.  Esta pieza de arte acción que unió protesta y psique para llevar el inconsciente hacia una dimensión social. Este acto en si lleva implícita la fuerza de la protesta. En una propuesta lúdica y festiva, Mercedes inició abriendo simbólicamente el espacio para después escribir y pintar de manera patafísica, es decir, pensando en soluciones imaginarias plasmadas de esta manera en el espacio público.

Muchas de las protestas sociales lideradas por mujeres, han sido identificadas en varios casos con la pinta de monumentos o lugares emblemáticos de las ciudades. Ello ha generado polémica ya que muchos consideran válidas las consignas pero no el método.

Cabe mencionar que la Plaza de Armas de Saltillo Coahuila México, está cerrada con vallas, desde hace algunas semanas, lo cual ha generado descontento en la población. La acción artística de Mercedes también pone de manifiesto  el absurdo de cerrar la plaza, mismo que da pie al sentido artístico del acto patafísico; ya que la plaza es un espacio público, para todas las personas, para el encuentro social, político, comercial y cultural, que al cercarse genera una contradicción,  propia del sentido del oxímoron que da pie a la frase de la artista: "A oídos sordos, palabras invisibles”.

“El cuerpo requiere de esa catarsis, por lo cual, fui invitando al público presente a que también se manifestara utilizando los botes de aire comprimido como pinturas y colores imaginarios donde pudieran llevar a cabo esta acción de libertad”, agregó.

The space

The arcades are an architectural and cultural heritage typical of European cities, from the late Middle Ages to the contemporary. The historical mercantile model is developed in Italy, in particular in Turin. Via Sacchi is s a road with monumental arcades on the west side, built between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

Artistic intervention

‘Portici d’Artista’ is an ongoing project for the regeneration of the arcades of Via Sacchi through art en plein air, developed by the citizens' committee Rilanciamo Via Sacchi, with young artists and traders, Politecnico di Torino DAD and Albertina Academy of Fine Arts of Turin, sponsored by District 1 of the City and supported by Torino Creativa.

The first phase concerns the painting of art on metal shutters of the shops, opening on October 16, 2021. The works are designed and executed by the students of the Albertina Academy: A.Arillotta, E.Barmaverain, G.Bertin, B.Bernazzi, F.Calzolari, C.A.Carvelli, A.Gastaldo, F.Grillo, A.Pettiti, D.C. Rivadossi, L.Rosato, L.Turotti, G.Zorba.

Involvement of the community

The citizens' association involved inhabitants, exhibitors, artists and architects in various meetings to define together the themes of public art. The sketches are submitted to the City of Turin and to the Superintendency.

The work on the street and the final walk are an opportunity for an open dialogue that involved the inhabitants and the visitors of the street.

Impact on the sociophysical territory

Via Sacchi is defined the periphery of the urban center. The commercial decline has triggered a general decline, which is not only the public thing, but also the private one.

'Portici d’Artista' is part of a process for raising awareness of the inhabitants, the enhancement of the historical heritage and the cultural, economic and social revitalization.

The mural discusses ideas of human control and natural chaos. Linking our significant journey inside the Riba-roja d'Ebre hydroelectric dam, the dam opening, Sebes Nature Reserve wetlands, striking birds, wind turbines, fish, poppies, rosemary and olives. All alongside illustrated images on upcycled plastic bottle caps depicting personalised features relative to Otto and his house, pets and the area.The scene is inspired by our travels around the area and all the scenery it offers. It includes:
• the dam which we received a private tour of, specifically the control room panel, visually inspired by the source of the dams power and control.
• The Sebes Nature Reserve where the installation of the dam created wetlands, a fantastic area where wildlife and nature can roam free
• and Santo Domingo an area where the original constructors of the dam built there homes and lives

Continuing with the chaotic and controlled theme, it bled into the painting techniques we used, considering every opportunity to link back to the overriding concept to cover this 12 meter space. Jodie Lilley was master of the control area. Here she carefully drafted and constructed the crisp sharp angles lines and mathematically aligning the up-cycled wooden pallet to perfection.

Emma Jones and Eden Parkes were leading the freedom of chaotic growth, using paint splatter techniques and simplified shapes to create a meandering area of life.

I drafted the silhouette shapes of the birds in flight and feed, constructing a composition mentally as I went to keep a feeling of loose freedom and uncontrollability. The perspective shifting stork contrasts with the birds-eye view of the fish, touching on a sense of visual distortion.

The title of the mural ‘Sempreviva’ translated into English is ‘Always Alive’. We found this to be a fitting title as it portrays the overarching theme that Mother Nature is always going to find a way, is always alive and that we cannot control her.

To our delight the mural has been chosen to feature in this years Lacuna Festival in Lanzarote with the theme ‘Clash’. The work will be featured in their digital exhibition in July with presentation of our inspirations.

Our collaborative mural was a gratifying and satisfying process, inspired by our collective journey and significant experiences we felt lucky and grateful to encounter. The entire concept of this street art project is inspiring, alongside the inspiring people who donate their private space for a community based and social project. I’d like to thank Otto for donating his wall and for him to trust us.” (Text by Diva Keith)

An inclusive 'space', attracts more people, interaction occurs, activity lasts making it a vibrant 'place' through which a city breathes. Artwork is a public place promenade in Mumbai representing people's cognitive expressions, behavioral and sensorial patterns offering city uniqueness, identity and a sense of 'place'. Our cities are built for their people and the experience such public spaces imprint in our minds lasts forever. There are memories of socio-cultural exchanges and associations that strengthen our nostalgic senses as we revisit such 'places'. We can never imagine a 'place' without its people.