American artist Gustavo Oviedo painted a mural for peace among peoples, in Tuscia (central Italy). The mural is also a gift for the community of San Martino al Cimino, who woke up one morning appreciating this wonderful surprise, painted in just one night. In fact, given the numerous artistic commitments, Gustavo only had two days to spend in Tuscia.
In this short span of time, he managed to create three works and meet a lot of local people in a spirit of friendship and brotherhood.
Who is Gustavo Oviedo?
But who is Gustavo Oviedo? And why did he choose this small village in the province of Viterbo to paint his work as a Manifesto of Peace and Love between peoples?
Gustavo Oviedo is an internationally renowned American muralist and videographer. He has Argentine parents, was born in France, and raised in Miami. He is a member of an elite group of American artists and works mainly with art galleries, universities, prestigious hotels, and wealthy private individuals.
However, he simply likes to call himself an “underwater ninja pirate” given his great passion for the ocean. Art experts cite him as “An avid diver, muralist, and videographer. His art has evolved from early graffiti roots to highly colorful, graphic-oriented forms inspired by his love of the sea”.
Why San Martino al Cimino?
He himself explains why he chose San Martino al Cimino to donate his mural:
“I learned from traveling that the best place to go, paint my murals, and bring a message of love, is where I am wanted. Before leaving for Italy, I had some conversations via zoom with the president of the local association called Italian Human Connections (IHC). Our approach was for me a wonderful premise of friendship and deep human relationships. I felt that San Martino al Cimino was the right place to go. But it was only thanks to Lisa Morales of Live in Italy Magazine that I had the opportunity to get in touch with the IHC association and made this experience happen”.
The mural is positioned on the main street leading to the town. It is majestic and wonderful painting, and a true Manifesto for Peace!
The mural’s bright and contrasting colors make it visible even to the most distracted drivers arriving for the first time in the village. It is a work that fascinates and transmits joy. Moreover, given the strategic road position, it could also be considered a welcome sign.
A Tribute to Human Relationships
The locals greatly appreciated the beauty of the work and expressed gratitude to the artist through social media. There are also those who have advanced a personal interpretation of the mural as a tribute to human relationships. Gustavo explains:
“The multicolored shapes approach and sometimes touch. But they always maintain respect for the space of others. Each of us can recognize ourselves in one of the colored figures that stretch and swim in the crystalline ocean of human relations, ideally represented by the deep celestial background.”
However, the interpretation of the painting is in itself subjective, and everyone can admire the mural according to their own interpretation.
Making His Artistic Mark in Sardinia
San Martino al Cimino was Gustavo Oviedo’s second European leg. Before arriving in Tuscia, the artist created a mural on the main street of the Olbia seafront, in Sardinia for the joy of passers-by and tourists.
The artist loves to travel leaving behind paintings to be remembered and to add a contribution to other’s people lives through the beauty of his art. For him, leaving his work in one place means planting a seed of peace and hope for the new generations.
1-3-1
He signs his works with the code 1-3-1, his father’s favorite numbers. In doing so, he wants to pay homage to his beloved parent who was very important in his life.
In conclusion, a special thanks to Live in Italy Magazine which has just celebrated its two years anniversary.
Lisa Morales’ magazine is producing extreme value in the lives of others, translated not only through editorial activities but also through creating concrete human relationships.
Thanks, Live in Italy, and Happy Birthday!
Find out more about Gustavo Oviedo.
Learn about Italian Human Connections.
