Jorit's Gramsci mural in Florence sparks debate on street art politics
Street artist Jorit is creating a mural of Antonio Gramsci in Florence, following his 2018 portrait of Nelson Mandela. The work has drawn criticism for its perceived lack of political commitment, contrasting with Gramsci's own call for partisanship. Jorit has stated he avoids taking political sides to ensure continued work opportunities. The mural is commissioned by the Florence municipality without public tender or expert review, raising concerns about artistic merit and cultural responsibility. Critics note the absence of a memorial for Idy Diene, a Senegalese victim of racist violence in Florence, highlighting the city's selective engagement with anti-racism. The project is part of a broader trend in urban art where commercial and promotional interests overshadow substantive political discourse.
Key facts
- Jorit is painting a mural of Antonio Gramsci in Florence.
- The mural follows Jorit's 2018 portrait of Nelson Mandela in Florence.
- Jorit previously faced a veto from the Naples Superintendence for a mural of Pino Daniele on Palazzo Nervi.
- Art critic Luca Nannipieri criticized Jorit's work as technically competent but lacking creativity and originality.
- Jorit stated he does not take political sides to avoid losing work opportunities.
- The Florence municipality commissioned the mural without a public tender or expert review.
- The mural is funded by the city as part of a cultural initiative during the pandemic.
- A memorial for Idy Diene, a Senegalese man killed in Florence in 2018, has not been realized.
- Jorit's foundation received nearly 300,000 euros from the Campania Region for the 'Scuola viva' project.
- The article questions the coherence of Jorit's apolitical stance with Gramsci's call for partisanship.
Entities
Artists
- Jorit
- Antonio Gramsci
- Nelson Mandela
- Pino Daniele
- Luca Nannipieri
- Michelangelo
- Fedez
- Nino d'Angelo
- Vittorio Sgarbi
- Bud Spencer
- J-Ax
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Idy Diene
- Samb Modou
- Diop Mor
- Cosimo Guccione
- Raffaella Ganci
Institutions
- Soprintendenza di Napoli
- Palazzo Nervi
- Fondazione Jorit
- Regione Campania
- Comune di Firenze
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Artribune
- ChiareLettere
- La Repubblica
- Stylo24
Locations
- Firenze
- Italy
- Napoli
- Ponte Vespucci
- Campania