Yuri Catania’s street art transforms Lugano.
Yuri Catania’s new street art work, “Lugaxy Astro Lake”, on the façade of the Palazzo dei Congressi in Lugano, invites viewers on an artistic journey that combines the figure of the astronaut—seen as a technological explorer—with the nature of Parco Ciani and the depths of Lake Ceresio. The artist aims to restore beauty and balance between humanity and nature, countering the technological detachment in space exploration that risks losing connection with our sense of humanity and the preservation of biodiversity.
This impressive mural transforms the building into a captivating surreal aquarium, where astronauts and local flora float among aquatic creatures.
Measuring 8 meters in height and 42 meters in length, the work was created using sustainable materials such as biodegradable paper and glue, employing the paste-up technique. By overlaying an existing installation, it adds new meanings and values.
Community involvement was crucial: over 250 people, including adults and children, participated during the LongLake Festival at the Family Village, helping to cut out more than 600 paper elements. These elements were then manually pasted by the artist, creating a vast collage of colorful layers.
The ephemeral nature of the artwork, destined to fade over time and through weathering, reflects the transient nature of life. It emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, the “here and now,” as the artist underscores, encouraging the preservation of the experience through memory.
In addition to its visual impact, the work connects with technology in an immersive experience: using the free Artivive app, anyone can discover a timelapse of the artistic creation simply by scanning the mural with their smartphone.
Photos © Yuri Catania Studio
