After his work at the headquarters of the Artigas Professors Institute (IPA), where he made a mural of Antonio Grompone, street artist José Gallino was criticized by the History Institute of the Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Urbanism (FADU). “It is not a canvas” was the title of a statement issued on August 30 by the Institute, which questioned “a series of murals made in various party walls under the signature of Gallino.”
Gallino defended his work and stated that he preferred murals rather than all-gray buildings, or to have walls in poor condition, additionally, emphasized that he only painted in walls in which he had permission from the owners and was paid by them.
Despite his defense of street art, which he considers “fundamental in the country”, the muralist clarified that he also defends the protection of heritage buildings, so instead of criticizing his work, the focus should be aimed at restoring buildings in poor condition.
Given this, the FADU still maintains that, architecture is another form of expression that could end up overshadowed by so many murals, and makes us wonder about its road ahead in relation to street art. Additionally, the content of the murals was about faces of famous people from Uruguay, including politicians of diverse ideologies, something that could easily generate polemic since there are so many points of view.
Gallino clarified that he does not feel attacked by the Institute’s statement or by the controversy, but affirmed that before protesting, proposals should be presented and that an open mind is required to discuss this type of issue.
