Tvboy on Censorship, Satire, and the Power of Street Art
In an interview with Artribune, street artist Tvboy, whose real name is Salvatore Benintende, shares insights about his artistic journey and the realm of street art. He became well-known for a mural depicting a kiss between Matteo Salvini and Luigi Di Maio, which was taken down in Rome but was later recreated in July 2018 at the Premio Satira in Forte dei Marmi, where he was honored with an award. The mural remains available for public viewing. Tvboy discusses censorship, highlighting how media coverage revitalized the piece. He critiques the elitism in the Italian art world and underscores the importance of public engagement in street art. A graduate of Politecnico di Milano, he began his street art career in 1996 and draws inspiration from Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Haring. Currently residing in Barcelona, he has upcoming projects with NGOs. Alessia Tommasini conducted the interview.
Key facts
- Tvboy (Salvatore Benintende) is a street artist known for the Salvini-Di Maio kiss mural.
- The kiss mural was removed in Rome but recreated at the Premio Satira in Forte dei Marmi on July 7, 2018.
- Tvboy received the Premio Satira award at Forte dei Marmi.
- The municipality of Forte dei Marmi committed to preserving the mural for public display.
- Tvboy's work was investigated by police scientific division in Rome, which he found alarming.
- He began street art in 1996 in Milan, inspired by American graffiti.
- He studied at Politecnico di Milano, focusing on graphic design and communication.
- Tvboy lives in Barcelona and has exhibited in the US, including Miami.
- He cites influences from Warhol, Lichtenstein, Haring, and later Renaissance masters.
- He plans future projects for NGOs on current social issues.
Entities
Artists
- Tvboy
- Salvatore Benintende
- Matteo Salvini
- Luigi Di Maio
- Maurizio Cattelan
- Andy Warhol
- Roy Lichtenstein
- Keith Haring
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Michelangelo
- Sandro Botticelli
- Banksy
- Federico Clapis
- Bros
- Ivan il poeta di strada
- Roberto Benigni
- Serena Dandini
- fratelli Guzzanti
- Oliviero Toscani
- Luciano Benetton
- Alessia Tommasini
Institutions
- Artribune
- Politecnico di Milano
- Premio Satira
- Comune di Forte dei Marmi
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Forte dei Marmi
- Spain
- Barcelona
- United States
- Miami
- Milan
- Palermo
- Naples
- France
- Netherlands