Art and urban redevelopment in Diamante seal another important pact, transforming the gray floor of the terrace of Largo Savonarola into a succession of colours, geometries and identifying elements that pay homage to the City of Murals and enrich its architectural and cultural heritage. The terrace overlooking the Island of Cirella, in fact, takes on new life thanks to the new mural signed by the street artist Joys, created as part of FAC, the Festival of Arts and Cultures promoted by the Municipality of Diamante, curated by Gulìa Urbana and in collaboration with OSA – Operation Street Art.
A project that goes beyond aesthetics: a conscious urban gesture, capable of redesigning public space and returning it to citizens as a place of beauty, sociality and belonging.
What is born is a strategic and powerful work: the first artistic playground of the City of Diamond, which combines contemporary art, architecture and landscape in a harmonious dialogue. Immersed in a breathtaking natural setting, the terrace today becomes a focal point of the city, reinterpreted through the artist’s unique stylistic signature.
With its rigorous geometries and its intertwined paths, Joys sets a “diamond” in the visual labyrinths of his work, evoking the very name of the City and creating a new identity symbol. A work that invites you to get lost and find yourself, in balance between movement and contemplation. This intervention is not just redevelopment, but a cultural and civil act: it regenerates the space, makes it accessible, enriches it with meaning. It is an invitation to meet, exchange, discover.
From today, thanks to Joys, Largo Savonarola becomes a new landmark for Diamante: an artistic destination, a point of reference for residents, visitors and urban art enthusiasts. A place that vibrates with culture, energy and vision.
«FAC has brought internationally renowned artists to our city who have left the tangible sign of their talent, their vision, the artistic expression that find their link with the great artistic and cultural heritage of Diamante, among the capitals of urban regeneration – says the Mayor of Diamante, Achille Ordine. The work created by Joys on the terrace of Largo Savonarola expresses all his stylistic signature, his creativity, in that process which, as the municipal administration, we are carrying out with conviction, planning and synergy. Another prestigious signature that has been able to capture one of the identity aspects of this city: Joys, drawing on its artistic and creative palette, has transformed the floor of the terrace of Largo Savonarola into an open work, into a mural capable of stimulating the imagination and encouraging those who stop to admire it. And here Diamante is enriched with new works in that open-air museum accessible to everyone at any time: hence my most sincere thanks to all the artists who participated in FAC, impeccably curated by Gulìa Urbana and OSA – Operation Street Art».
«I have always thought that walls should not only be looked at, but also listened to. This public space needed an artistic expression that I fully found in Joys, in its ability to give shape to the rhythm and energy of the place – explains Giacomo Marinaro, FAC curator and artistic director of Gulìa Urbana. His vision intertwined perfectly with that of the organization and the Administration, demonstrating that, when there is harmony and courage, the result can only be extraordinary. With this operation we have written a beautiful page in the history of urban art in Diamante.”
«We must continue to work with commitment to increasingly improve our places through art and beauty – comments Antonino Perrotta, artist and councilor of the Municipality of Diamante with responsibility for Art and Murals. In recent years, Diamante has been experiencing a true artistic renaissance, thanks to urban art which is now an integral and identifying part of our city. We will work to continue to preserve, enhance and promote the existing artistic heritage, which has surrounded Diamante for 44 years, making it a unique place in the world.”