Utopia and smiling faces

trees on sidewalk beside mural on a wall, by Toni Espinar titled the big lie, triptych of consciousness

On Via Regina Margherit in Stornara there is a large mural by Toni Espinar. It’s title is: “La gran mentira” (Triptico de la Consciencia) which translates to “The Big Lie (Triptych of Consciousness). Triptych refers to the fact that the mural is in three sections/scenes, each under its own arch. The arches resemble stonework found in church architecture.

The first frame is dominated by large purple creatures with big white teeth and shiny red eyes. Green biohazard symbols are in their mouths. A gargoyle-like human head with eyes closed is at the top of the arch.

part of toni espinar mural, man's head at top, looking down at mass of purple hairy, or furry, things with big black mouths

Under the word “Utopia” is a very pregnant man with a tattoo that says “Respect” on his tummy. On his shoulder is another tattoo that combines the symbols for male and female. He is looking skyward, or perhaps heavenward. Is there a comparison to Christ that can be made here? Is there a resemblance to how the face of Jesus is often portrayed?

 part of mural, La gran mentira (Triptico de la Consciencia), the word utopia on top, a naked pregnant man covers his breast with one arm.  he has a tattoo on his stomach that is flames with the word respect

hairy gremlins with big ears and impish grins, and happy faces, in a mural

Tiger mom seems to push little tiger son into the boxing ring. The white words above the gremlins say “La grande bugia” which can also translate to “the big lie”. Across the top of the arch it says “cambiare mondo, non follia ma giustizia”, or “change the world, not madness but justice”

 part of mural, La gran mentira (Triptico de la Consciencia)

The chest tattoo is a winged red heart with the equation e=mc2, Einstein’s theory of relativity. There is also a series of keyholes on his chest.

boy tiger with boxing gloves, red heart tattoo on his chest with equation e=mc2, Einsteins theory of relativity

On the far right of the mural, a school of green fish swim together.

Photos taken February 2024

1 thought on “Utopia and smiling faces

  1. Pingback: Stornara murals – Stramurales | Eyes on the Streets

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