A maxi work measuring 34×12 metres to send a message of universal peace: Obey (born Shepard Fairey)one of the most authoritative exponents of street art at an international level, chose Milanto be precise, a building on the street Consolini 26 (in the Gallaratese district)as a location for his first mural in Italy.
As part of the urban art project Manifestivalpromoted by Arrigo and Pia Pini Foundation with the support of Orticanoodles and Wit DesignObey created the work “Tear Flame Peace”: in the foreground, under the word “Peace” written in capital letters, appears the deep and penetrating eye of a woman with hij?bthe traditional Islamic veil, which cries a huge tear containing flames and a white doveuniversal symbol of peace and reconciliation.
“In that giant tear there is everything the weight of ongoing conflicts in the world: the colors are those of the Russian and Ukrainian flags and mix with a pattern that recalls the Arab world – underline the promoters of the initiative – A cry of pain, composed and geometric, which descends until it is transformed into rigid lines that incite to action and which not by chance flow into the star from which it emerges the iconic Obey the Giant logo”.
Shepard Faireyprotagonist of one exhibition underway at the Fabbrica del Vapore until October 27this known throughout the world – his, for example, the famous portrait of Barack Obama “Hope” who became the iconic symbol of the 2008 presidential campaign – and decided to provocatively sign himself as Obey (in Italian “to obey”) to push those who observe his works to develop a critical sense and to disobey social conventions, when necessary.
That of peace is also “a theme deeply felt by the community of citizens of the Gallaratese district, protagonists of this participatory project with which Manifestival, starting from 2023, has activated a virtuous process in the name of valorising the territory and the social inclusion – the organizers continue – The objective is to promote community reflection and transform the Gallaratese area into a place of artistic interest, starting from a debate with residents, associations and third sector bodies”. In fact, Obey’s maxi work adds to the five new large murals created in the neighborhood as part of Manifestival and signed by other world-famous artists such as JDL, Nabla & Zibe, the Medianeras, BTOY and Leticia Mandragora.
