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Muralism in Sardinia: an art of protest and expression

22 February 2024

3 minutes

If you’re thinking of embarking on a journey to discover your Sardinian roots, visiting the murals is an exciting way to learn more about your family’s history and origins.
Murals can help you understand the culture and traditions of Sardinia, and they can also help you feel closer to your roots.

Muralism is an art form that originated in Sardinia in the 60s of the twentieth century, as a form of protest against the social and political conditions of the island.

The first Sardinian murals (in the regional language “murales”) were often made by local artists, who used their art to express their ideas and opinions. The topics covered were often political, such as the struggle for Sardinia’s autonomy, or social, such as poverty and inequality.

As time went on, Sardinian muralism began to evolve, becoming a more complex and articulated art form. Modern Sardinian wall murals deal with a variety of themes, including history, culture, politics, and society.

Today, muralism is an art form widespread throughout Sardinia. There are many towns and cities on the island that are home to murals, made by local and international artists.

Some of the most famous places for muralism in Sardinia are:

  • Orgosolo: known as the “city of murals”. The murals are created by local and international artists and deal with a variety of themes, including Sardinian history, culture, and society.
  • San Sperate: a town known for its murals. The murals are created by local and international artists and deal with a variety of themes, including nature, peace, and love.
  • Nuoro: here you can find some of the murals by Costantino Nivola, one of the most important Sardinian sculptors of the twentieth century and also an important muralist

Sardinian wall murals are an expression of the island’s rich culture and tradition. They are a way for Sardinian artists to express their ideas and opinions, and to share their vision of the world with the rest of the world.

 

Muralism as a form of protest

The first Sardinian murals were made as a form of protest against the social and political conditions of the island. At that time, Sardinia was a very poor region and the population was often oppressed by the central government. The murals were a way for Sardinian artists to express their anger and frustration, and to demand change.

Political themes were very common in early Sardinian murals. Many murals depicted scenes of struggle for Sardinia’s autonomy, or protest against poverty and inequality. The murals were often made in public places, such as streets and squares, so that they were visible to everyone.

 

Muralism as a form of expression

As time went on, Sardinian muralism began to evolve, becoming a more complex and articulated art form. The themes covered have become more varied, and the murals have become more elaborate from a technical point of view.

Today, Sardinian murals are no longer just a form of protest, but also a form of expression. Sardinian artists use murals to tell stories, convey messages, and share their vision of the world.

The Sardinian murals are an important testimony to the history and culture of the island. They are an expression of the creativity and passion of Sardinian artists, and they are a way for Sardinia to show itself to the world.




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