Barlo and Andrea Casciu did a summertime mural project in Bologna last week as a metaphorical commentary on machinations and struggles happening during the current housing crisis in Italy. It is an awkward, tormented series of movements in concert with and against partners entitled “The Dance”.
Barlo . Andrea Casciu. Bologna, Italy. July 2015. (photo © Barlo)
Not enough places are available for people to live so squatters have been taking over abandoned or unoccupied ones. The government has been passing legislation to widen options of affordable housing but restricting illegal takeovers. Add to this certain elements of anti-immigrants, racism and ongoing corrosive attacks on the social safety net, and you understand how tensions run high.
Barlo . Andrea Casciu. Bologna, Italy. July 2015. (photo © Barlo)
The figures in conflict here in the new mural symbolize the forces at odds – and a contested 9,000 square foot settlement from the political collective Làbas in the former Caserma Masini symbolizes all of it. The collaborative illustration itself is located in “Làbas centro sociale” (Labas Community Center) in “an occupied structure very active in community activities related to the housing emergency in Italy – in the city center of Bologna,” says Barlo.
No angry slogans, no marches, no eggs were thrown; It is good to see art being used to depict powerful struggles underway in the heart of a disputed space.
Barlo . Andrea Casciu. Bologna, Italy. July 2015. (photo © Barlo)
Barlo . Andrea Casciu. Bologna, Italy. July 2015. (photo © Barlo)
Barlo . Andrea Casciu. Bologna, Italy. July 2015. (photo © Barlo)
Barlo . Andrea Casciu. Bologna, Italy. July 2015. (photo © Barlo)
Other Articles You May Like from BSA:
“I went back to monochromatic pieces after a long time,” says Street Artist Peeta about his new anamorphic mural in Gainseville, Florida. His ability to master the optical illusion of three dimensions...
Positions and opinions about war and conflict can be “mainstream” or they may be “fringe”, and historically they can switch positions after the wars are over. One thing is nearly always assured: Gene...
In our ultimate meta-posting, today we feature photos from street photographer Lluis Olive of images left on the street by an artist named “The Photographer”. Needless to say, much of the past graffi...
Similar to how photographers in the 1970s discovered graffiti on trains, photogs learn about new pieces on walls today through a circuitous route. Importantly, upon hearing of the latest additions, t...
Our weekly focus on the moving image and art in the streets. And other oddities. Now screening:1. Highlights of Layer Cake Opening "Versus III" at Museum of Graffiti, Miami BSA Special ...