Inti Castro, artistically known as INTI (meaning sun in Quechua), is one of Latin America’s foremost street artists. He has just completed a stunning mural in Aalborg, Denmark as part of the 6th edition of the mural project ‘Out in the Open’ series by KIRK Gallery.
This striking new mural titled ‘TAIÑ MAPU / Our Land’, references our fundamental need to treat nature with respect, or as INTI puts it, our need to “Maintain a close and caring relationship to nature, like a mother holding it in her arms.” INTI is often inspired by the life around him when making murals and loves interacting with passers by. He enjoys hearing the different comments and reactions brought about by his art. He says it is one of his greatest joys.
When discussing how ‘TAIÑ MAPU / Our Land’, came to life, INTI wanted to refer to the relationship between Denmark and Chile and the commonality of both countries being ones so motivated to tackle environmental issues and preserve original cultures.
“While beginning this mural in Denmark (a country known for its environmental policies), the Mapuche people in Chile continue their historic fight for their land. The mural in Aalborg explores the common ground existing between two distant cultures. Where there mainly seem to be differences, both countries maintain a relationship of respect and harmony with the land we inhabit living in us.Today more than ever we have to learn from those who have managed to live in balance with our ecosystem. How to keep a close connection to nature and treat it with care like a mother holding it in her arms.”
KIRK Gallery give some background on this very special artist, “Coming from a family dedicated to the arts and music, INTI started tagging the streets of his hometown, Valparaiso, at the age of 13. Working on the street gave him a freedom to explore from the earliest days of his artistic practice. Yet whilst the wall was his natural medium, he was formally trained at the Fine Arts School of Viña del Mar. There he acquired the rigor and training of a professional painter. Life experiences and his street practice rounded off his formation.
His colossal murals pulse with the bright colors of a Latin carnival and the mysterious energy of Ancient South American culture. However, his work still remains fine, controlled and technically dazzling. With a warm orange glow, the murals often contain themes of life, death, ancient religion and Christianity, all drawn together with one or two strange characters. The characters are like blending of all things Chilean: the Incas, the tribesmen, the peasants, the Catholics and the revolutionaries.”
INTI: website | instagram |facebook
KIRK Gallery: website | facebook | instagram
