A new and very particular product appeared a few days ago, arousing admiration and consensus. murals in the city, made in the middle of the night by the artist Tvboy, within the historic market of Fish market (Seafood and raw fish) in Catania. Protagonist of the work of street art. è Saint Agatha, proposed in an innovative way.
Tvboy: the "Italian Banksy"
It is considered the “Italian Banksy“, his real name is Salvatore Benintende, he is from Palermo and is forty years old: Tvboy It is one of the street artists most famous and active in Sicily and in the world together with Ligama e Demetrio Di GradoHe is an exponent of the Newpop movement, obviously inspired by Andy Warhol and other artists. From Palermo, the artist moved to Milan and began creating his first graffiti. He graduated from the Politecnico di Milano in Graphic Design and immediately began collaborating with newspapers. At night, he works as a street artist.
Between 2003 and 2004, Tvboy, his alter ego, worked in major Italian cities and traveled throughout Europe to hone his technique and develop his increasingly personal style. The pseudonym stems from the artist's initial use of old, discarded televisions as canvases to depict celebrities. The Palermo native created this character, a young boy trapped inside a screen. In the early years of his career, the artist used the name "Crasto the TVboy."
Committed artist
Tvboy has always been strenuously committed to the fight against homophobia, illegality, the mafia (he painted the mural in Palermo, featuring Giovanni Falcone accompanied by the writing: " It's time to move on! ” is found on the front of the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, in Piazza Marina. The artist is attentive to the environmental and climate issues, he fights against dictatorship and racism with spray cans, convinced of the powerful and significant message of theurban art. He has lived in Barcelona for years, traveling between Spain and Sicily.
Tvboy has created numerous award-winning works, and his talent is recognized and appreciated by many art experts, including Vittorio Sgarbi. He is the artist behind the 2018 mural depicting Salvini and Di Maio kissing, which earned him worldwide recognition. This was followed by others featuring prominent figures in national and international politics throughout the capital.
Tvboy's mural dedicated to Saint Agatha
In homage to the city of Catania, the artist wanted to create a sort of atypical mural dedicated to the Saint protector of the city of Etna. The street artist didn't choose the location to depict her in an unconventional way by chance. The historic fish market, a few steps from the cathedral, From Amenano fountain, next to the historic Fountain of the seven channels, is a highly identifiable site that connotes the personality of the people of Catania, as well as being one of the most frequented places in the city by citizens and tourists.
Tvboy depicts Agata in a different way from the traditional iconography, presenting her with ancient clothes with bright colors that echo Spain. The red veil would refer not only to the sacrifice but also to the girls who decided to consecrate themselves to God. Saint Agatha holds a plate on which the breasts torn off by Quintianus stand out, a symbol of her martyrdom. Two novelties characterize the saintly figure: the necklace and the Catania Calcio coat of arms placed on the chest, on which a ball and the liotruThe artist hopes that the Agatha's feast can become World Heritage SiteIt looks like a mural but it is a work halfway between a poster and a mural, it is a sort of sticker that adheres perfectly to the wall, a very particular technique.
Homage to Catania
An artist in love with this city always in full creative ferment. Tvboy paid homage to the most important woman in Catania just in these days, close to the anniversary of the translation with relics of Saint Agatha, celebrated every August 17th with the traditional procession of the fercolo in Piazza Duomo and along the arches of the marina, events cancelled this year due to Covid-19.
Tvboy's other works in Catania
Tvboy has also operated in Auteri Street and in the area Finance Street near the neighborhood of San Berillo, creating two polemical performances, aimed at raising awareness among the population on current issues. The first proposes the President Trump Depicted as a mad scientist intent on creating a Covid vaccine, Tvboy often desecrates political figures, capturing their grotesque side.
The other work is dedicated to plastic pollution, featuring two fish wearing masks, a subject that highlights the increasing pollution caused by masks, gloves, and other devices ending up in the sea, adding to the abundant waste already present in this delicate ecosystem.
Street art in Catania
A beautiful contribution from Tvboy to the street art in Catania So appreciated and encouraged in recent years even by municipal administrations, thanks to its ability to beautify and convey important messages, redevelop desolate areas, attracting consensus also from the many tourists who crowd the city streets.
Photo: Sabrina Portale
