Marielle Franco, the 38-year-old Brazilian activist known for defending Rio’s black, LGBT and favela communities was brutally murdered in Rio de Janeiro on March 14, 2018. The Aidél cooperative, together with the Italian street artist Alessio Bolognesi recently created a mural that pays tribute to the human rights activist and is a gift to the Krasnodar district of Ferrara, Italy.
About the Mural
Marielle Franco was described as a creature of light, a person who fought for the rights of the weakest as Alessio symbolized by the moth that takes flight from her hand. An act to awaken consciences on the struggle for human rights, a theme that concerns every one of us, every day, in every part of the world, but also wants to awaken a neighborhood and a whole city, involving people to create a sense of community that we are losing in the maze of social media.
Thus far, all investigations about her death have been vague, but as the news of this tragedy continues to spread, more and more people from all around the world want justice. Therefore, the life sized photo that depicts Marielle is intended to be not only a tribute, but also a gift to the community, in order to bring the beautiful soul of Marielle through her spontaneous and contagious smile. We also see “nao è nao” – “no is no”. No to violence, no to abuses, no to all prevarications to human rights, and Alessio used his signature patterned style to create what feels like a snapshot featuring colors from the Brazilian flag.
The city of Ferrara was chosen not only because Aidél and the artistic collective (VIDAKREI) are based, which the artist is a part of. The mural faces a charming neighborhood square where kids often play and is also oriented west, toward Brazil. That purpose being to create a virtual network made of good vibes; that capture onlookers during the realization of the wall.
About Alessio “Bolo” Bolognesi
Born and based in Ferrara, Italy Alessio began sketching and drawing at an early age. However, it wouldn’t be until years’ later in 2008 that he began to take a more professional approach to being an artist. Now, he’s a member of the artistic collective Vida Krei (VKB), and In 2010, he had his first solo show and won an award for his work.
Always looking to evolve as an artist and explore new subjects, he created the alter-ego character “Sfiggy” which he uses for new projects. Now, he’s traveled the world to paint murals and his artwork can be found in galleries from Italy and Portugal to the USA. He also participates in multiple annual street-art festivals and events although he’s most content when creating public works amongst his group of friends.
Alessio Bolognesi: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Aidél: Website | Facebook | Instagram
