Lucamaleonte: 'Street art must remain illegal'

In an interview with Artribune, Italian artist Lucamaleonte discusses his practice, rejecting the label of street artist because he no longer works illegally. He argues that true street art is spontaneous and illegal, not co-opted by institutions. His latest mural, 'Patrimonio Indigeno' in Rome's San Lorenzo district, was created in collaboration with Fondazione Pastificio Cerere and SCS Sviluppo Immobiliare, curated by Marcello Smarrelli. The work symbolically represents the neighborhood's history, emerging from a natural landscape inspired by the Agro Verano fields. Lucamaleonte began working on walls in the early 2000s with stencils, later switching to brushes and rollers for greater freedom. He distinguishes between his street works, which tell collective stories tied to specific locations, and his gallery pieces, which explore a more personal universe. He stopped using stencils around 2011 when technique began to overshadow meaning. He finds the public relations aspect of his work challenging but necessary. His subjects often draw from nature, botany, and bestiaries, influenced by antique print techniques. He views collaborations with brands positively, as long as they respect urban culture. Looking ahead, he is planning a solo exhibition for late 2019 or early 2020 and is increasingly working as an illustrator.