Today on BSA, we have “A Possible History (of Fishes)”, an unusual and stunning mural by artist HITNES. Adorning the walls of ITC Paolo Toscanelli High School in Ostia, Rome, it is part of the E.C.O. initiative—Ecologia Condivisione Opportunità. Curated by Mirko Pierri and supported by the a.DNA project, the mural invites viewers to explore the intricate connections between nature and humanity through the lens of aquatic life.
A visual narrative spread across two large walls, each scene crafts an interpretive guide for the viewer from top to bottom. HITNES’ distinct style is on full display, characterized by a blend of naturalistic detail and surreal elements. The artist depicts the evolution and history of fish, intertwining real and imagined scenarios that challenge the observer to consider the impact of human activity on the environment. Using a subtle palette and organic forms creates an immersive experience, drawing your attention to the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.
Complementing the mural, we have a video by Simone Fedele (below) that captures the essence of the artwork and offers a deeper exploration of its themes. Set to a haunting soundtrack of Eclipta’s “Undersea,” the video brings to life the mural’s narrative, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living things.
Curated by Mirko Pierri of the a.DNA project association
When Evolution Splashes onto School Walls: The E.C.O. Mural Unfolds
Let’s dive into a story where fish climb out of the sea and onto the school walls. Picture this: The Toscanelli Institute in Ostia, Italy, is no longer just a backdrop for mundane school routines. Thanks to the visionary Mirko Pierri of the a.DNA project, this school has turned into an extraordinary canvas that narrates the fascinating tale of evolution, courtesy of the street artist known as Hitnes. This isn’t your everyday science class; this is art making school cool again.
“The Poetry of the Fishes’ Evolution” is a journey from the ocean’s abyss to the land’s expanse, with Hitnes as our guide. His artwork wraps around the school’s walls like storybook pages, where fish transform into mammals right before our eyes. But there’s a twist – this story is a nudge towards thinking about our environmental impact.
Mirko Pierri puts it brilliantly: “These two architectural facades have… intrigued the students’ gaze who experience them. Now they are a source of curiosity… changing the perspective of those who cross this large courtyard.” Perhaps the new work can spark new conversations and encourage young minds to ponder, all while passing to the next class.
The E.C.O. project has turned the school into a buzzing hub that goes beyond textbooks. Hitnes’ work, with its echoes of ancient seas and critiques of human intervention, isn’t just for show. It invites the young (and the young at heart) to reflect, question, and discuss.
Director Paola Toto and the surrounding educational community have welcomed this vibrant addition, turning the Toscanelli Institute into a beacon of learning and environmental awareness. Imagine the usual school bell ringing, but instead of a rush to escape, there’s a buzz of students discussing evolution, art, and the environment. Here, you can trace your fingers over the evolution of life on these walls and think about our place in the world – all before the bell rings for your next class.
Italian street artist Etnik has created a new “Botanica Resistente” in Rome to commemorate “Liberation Day” in Italy, which marks April 25th as the end of the Nazi’s occupation and the liberation from Fascism.
He calls the colorful and abstractly organic 4-story work “Botanica Resistente”, which he says may have multiple readings. Mostly, it is “A direct reference to the toponymy that characterizes the whole district of Centocelle – with its streets named after plants, trees, and flowers.”
As a story of overcoming great obstacles and thriving in adversity, he also posits that “in the mural concrete blocks, asphalt and artificial works succumb to natural elements, giving life to a slow but gradual reconquest of spaces taken from nature.”
“The work is representative of familiar urban corners, on the border, where between asphalt and concrete, spontaneous plants are in a constant struggle for survival.”
Completed in conjunction with the help and guidance of Mirko Pierri, curator of urban art for the a.DNA association, Etnik took about 5 days to transform this facade of the Liceo Scientifico Statale Francesco D’Assisi, between via Castore Durante e Viale Palmiro Togliatti.
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BROOKLYN STREET ART LOVES YOU MORE EVERY DAY
