Monumental classical figures and graffiti converge in the new murals by PichiAvo — Colossal



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#murals #painting #PichiAvo #public art #street art

PichiAvo (previously) continue to scale multi-story buildings from Ontario to Tahiti, recently painting a series of vibrant new murals. Known for combining figures from Greek mythology with spray-painted labels synonymous with graffiti, the Valencia-based duo often work in vibrant jewel tones, particularly warm pinks and purples tinged with cool blues. Rendered in a style evocative of ancient marble statues, classically idealized depictions of deities such as Mercury and Venus intertwine with contemporary street art. For a recent project in the couple’s hometown, the god of wine, Bacchus, hoists a bunch of grapes on a wall at the aptly named Mythic Hotel.

During long journeys, the PichiAvos have found ways to adapt what they call « urban mythology », especially regarding specific locations. A diptych of two buildings in Paea, Tahiti draws on a Tahitian legend about the prince of nearby Paparā and the son of the prince of Paea fighting for control of the land in a javelin duel, thus determining the boundaries between the two communities. And bringing the wall theme indoors, a body of work in progress calling Diaspase transforms raw plasterboard into a canvas, emphasizing the crumbling edges as if it had been chiseled and removed from the architecture.

If you are in Montréal, you can stop by PichiAvo’s new solo exhibition entitled Three Graces TO Gallery S16scheduled from 15 June to 9 July. Find out more about the artists websiteand follow the updates on Instagram.

“Mercury and Psyche” (2022) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

« Mercury and Psyche » in progress

“Bacchus” (2022) at the Mythic Hotel in Valencia, Spain

Javelin murals (2023). part of ONO’U, Paea, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Detail of a mural in Tahiti

Photo by Bruno Lopes, courtesy of Underdogs Gallery, Lisbon

Photo by Bruno Lopes, courtesy of Underdogs Gallery, Lisbon

#murals #painting #PichiAvo #public art #street art

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