All posts tagged: Mirko Pierri

Hitnes Finds Poetry in the Evolution of Fishes

Hitnes Finds Poetry in the Evolution of Fishes

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.

Hitnes. “The poetry of the fishes evolution” Ostia-Rome. (photo © Paolo Giannotti)

“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.

Hitnes. “The poetry of the fishes evolution” Ostia-Rome. (photo © Paolo Giannotti)

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.

Hitnes. “The poetry of the fishes evolution” Ostia-Rome. (photo © Paolo Giannotti)
Hitnes. “The poetry of the fishes evolution” Ostia-Rome. (photo © Paolo Giannotti)
Hitnes. “The poetry of the fishes evolution”. Detail. Ostia-Rome. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Hitnes. “The poetry of the fishes evolution”. Detail. Ostia-Rome. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Hitnes. “The poetry of the fishes evolution”. Detail. Ostia-Rome. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Hitnes. “The poetry of the fishes evolution”. Detail. Ostia-Rome. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Hitnes. “The poetry of the fishes evolution”. Ostia-Rome. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Hitnes. “The poetry of the fishes evolution” Ostia-Rome. (photo © Paolo Giannotti)
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“Botanica Resistente” : Etnik and “a constant struggle for survival” in Rome.

“Botanica Resistente” : Etnik and “a constant struggle for survival” in Rome.

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.

Etnik. “Botanica Resistente”. Centocelle, Rome. Italy 2021. (photo © Mirko Pierri)

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.”

Etnik. “Botanica Resistente”. Centocelle, Rome. Italy 2021. (photo © Mirko Pierri)

“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.”

Etnik
Etnik. “Botanica Resistente”. Centocelle, Rome. Italy 2021. (photo © Mirko Pierri)

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.

Etnik. “Botanica Resistente”. Centocelle, Rome. Italy 2021. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Etnik. “Botanica Resistente”. Centocelle, Rome. Italy 2021. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Etnik. “Botanica Resistente”. Centocelle, Rome. Italy 2021. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Etnik. “Botanica Resistente”. Centocelle, Rome. Italy 2021. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Etnik. “Botanica Resistente”. Centocelle, Rome. Italy 2021. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Etnik. “Botanica Resistente”. Centocelle, Rome. Italy 2021. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
Etnik. “Botanica Resistente”. Centocelle, Rome. Italy 2021. (photo © Mirko Pierri)
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