Arcugnano is increasingly becoming an open-air museum of Street Art. The village known for its murals is preparing to host another international-level performance: the arrival of Chen Ingjie, known as Hua Tunan, has been confirmed. The Chinese artist, who has been exhibiting in Paris for the Cartièr Foundation for years, will dedicate a week in mid-April to illuminate the walls of Piazza Rumor, in front of the town hall, and the already colorful "Ugo Foscolo" middle school.
The relationship with Arcugnano is not recent; Tunan was supposed to perform at a special event in 2020, but he was blocked in China due to Covid, which imposed a particularly strict lockdown in his country. "We stayed in touch, and he was keen on fulfilling that commitment," explains Mayor Paolo Pellizzari. "I was impressed by his installations around the world for their originality, and I am happy to offer this experience to our fellow citizens, but above all to our young people." Indeed, he is not a conventional street artist; his performances involve gymnastics, with works that emerge from the initial chaos of splashes and sprays of seemingly meaningless color, which then converge towards the initial idea, illuminating the walls used. The name "Reversal Performance" introduces a journey that seems to contradict the second law of thermodynamics, moving in the opposite direction.
"I am certain that it will be a captivating event, attracting many curious people from other cities," highlights Pellizzari. "For this reason, we have also planned a framework for the event, with musical accompaniment by a DJ and a light scenography while he will be busy filling a panel of three meters by two in front of our town hall. In 'Ugo Foscolo,' on the other hand, the students will be directly involved; they can lend a hand to the artist if they wish, as well as witness the performance. This building, by now, is more than a school; it is itself a work of art, as it was born as a hub that naturally encourages students' creativity, a place to go willingly and not out of obligation, while having fun. A message that is reinforced by the initiatives of the teachers, who wanted to place ping pong tables at the entrance and which Hua Tunan also liked very much."