On the streets of the murals: from Quartu to Santadi up to Santu Lussurgiu

Sardinian murals tell a lot about island life. Sometimes they offer images of great figures in the history of humanity. Rarely, however, do they address the sporting theme. Today's trip is an exception with the most loved sports man in Sardinia and who represents values that go beyond sporting feats: Gigi Riva. It is precisely the curator of the series, Gianni Sirigu, who highlights the lack of sports subjects. The murals in question are located in San Gavino, a recognized centre, also internationally, and in Quartucciu. But as always in this seventh volume there is much more. A work to be collected "Murales di Sardegna", on newsstands tomorrow, and on sale with L'Unione Sarda at the price of 8.50 euros plus the cost of the newspaper. Discover Quartu, Quartucciu, Romana, Sadali, Samatzai, Samugheo, San Gavino Monreale, San Nicolò d'Arcidano, San Nicolò Gerrei, San Sperate, San Vito, Sant'Anna Arresi, Sant'Antioco, Santa Giusta, Santadi and, finally, Santu Lussurgiu.

Artwork

«Without taking anything away from the other towns on the island», Sirigu underlines, «and the various artists who worked in the early days of muralism, it should be noted that a very important driving force was provided by the great Pinuccio Sciola who, in 1968, in his San Sperate created the first authentic mural. It was he who, fierce supporter and promoter of this form of art, fought to give dignity to muralism and make his small homeland a sort of country-museum».

The stages

In Quartu there is no precise style but there is a more metropolitan vision in the various works of art painted on the walls. The bicycle kick, the face of the legendary Riva and the stylized Quattro Mori fill the wall that encloses a football pitch in Quartucciu. Artistic mastery in the works of Romana. While in Sadali we find works with a contemporary fascination: between the figurative and the abstract. Religious devotion emerges in Samatzai. The art of weaving and the geometric designs conquer the visitors of Samugheo. San Gavino, beyond the tribute to Riva, remains one of the most representative centers of the island for the quantity and quality of the murals. Agro-pastoral subjects adorn the walls of the two San Nicolò, Arcidano and Gerrei. San Sperate deserves attention, the town of Pinuccio Sciola and very rich in works and suggestions and styles that embrace a good portion of the history of art. In San Vito we celebrate the love for bread-making and an authentic veneration for one's traditions. Sant'Anna Arresi, one of the jazz towns in Sardinia, offers artistic visions that go beyond the sea. And the salty marine waters are represented in Sant'Antioco, together with scenes of rural life. While the mural of Santa Giusta makes the pink flamingos take flight, the painted facades of Santadi play with the tradition of the typical dress. Last stop Santu Lussurgiu, here real and fantastic animals even embellish the fountains.

John Follesa