INTI's 'Codo a Codo': Symbolism in Artistry
📍Location: Wynwood Walls
Artist: Inti
Date: 2015
Title: Condo a Condo Artist: Inti Date: 2015
The artwork is titled "Codo a Codo," translating to "Elbow to Elbow" from Spanish. INTI dedicated approximately five days to complete this portrayal of a young couple intertwined hand in hand. Flanking the figures are symbolic representations of a shovel and a sword against a backdrop of purple and brownish leaves. The girl holds an ear of corn while the boy grasps an olive leaf, adding layers of symbolism to the piece. As for the artist, INTI is known for creating intricate and meaningful artworks that often incorporate cultural symbols and vibrant imagery.
Title: Condo a Condo Artist: Inti Date: 2015
About the Artist
INTI draws inspiration from his Chilean heritage, naming himself after the Incan sun god and embracing the Quechua word for 'the Sun.' His murals resonate with vibrant colors akin to a Latin carnival, interwoven with the enigmatic essence of ancient South American culture. Despite this, his art retains a poised finesse and technical brilliance. Infused with warm orange hues, INTI's murals often explore themes encompassing life, death, ancient beliefs, Christianity, and the inclusion of one or two enigmatic characters. These figures serve as a fusion of Chilean elements—the Incans, tribesmen, peasants, Catholics, and revolutionaries—imbued with an eerie, mutant-like quality. Many of his pieces bear a strong political edge, proudly showcasing South America's rich cultural heritage in the face of globalized capitalism while addressing Chile's socio-economic issues and turbulent history.
Born in 1982 in Valparaíso, Chile, INTI's artistic roots intertwine with the vibrant streets and expressive Latin culture of Chilean cities. He collaborates with fellow street artists, forming the STGO Undercrew collective based in Santiago. This group has collaborated with brands like Adidas, participated in music festivals such as Rip Curl, and engaged in projects like the Maquinaria Festival in Chile.
As a street artist since 1996, INTI has contributed to numerous global street art festivals and events, including Wynwood Walls in Miami (2015), Festival Concreto in Brazil (2018), Killart Festival in Colombia (2018, 2019), and Peinture Fraiche in France (2019). His creative exploration has also extended into bronze sculpture.
While his art exudes a profound Latin American essence, INTI has become an ambassador for South American street art worldwide. His captivating murals grace cityscapes across Belgium, the USA, Slovakia, France, Lebanon, Spain, Germany, Poland, Norway, Turkey, Peru, Puerto Rico, Mexico, India, and notably, Chile.
What are the Wynwood Walls?
Established in 2009 by the visionary Tony Goldman of Goldman Properties, Wynwood Walls stands as an open-air gallery showcasing global street art. Its inaugural year featured luminaries like Kenny Scharf, Futura, Os Gemeos, Swoon, and Shepard Fairey, setting the stage for a phenomenon that ignited murals across Wynwood. Today, it's a premier global hub for top street artists, hosting both established graffiti legends and emerging talents from around the world. Following Tony Goldman's vision, the project is now curated by his daughter, Jessica Goldman Srebnick, honoring his legacy. Boasting over 50 vibrant murals from diverse artists spanning continents, Wynwood Walls magnetizes art enthusiasts worldwide, drawing in crowds in the hundreds of thousands annually.
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”My fascination with street art knows no bounds, particularly due to its ephemeral nature. The thrill of hunting down murals that might vanish tomorrow adds an electrifying rush to my exploration. Every step, from stumbling upon artists in the act, guided by the aroma of fresh paint, to witnessing the final strokes completing a piece, holds a unique charm. Yet, what truly captivates me is encountering these artworks intact after years, weathered but resilient, or even adorned with graffiti, each transformation retaining the essence of expression. It’s a beauty to witness the evolution and preservation of these urban masterpieces, appreciating their raw authenticity. The journey of tracking these walls, immersing myself in their stories, transforms the cityscape into an ever-evolving gallery that breathes life and vibrancy into every wall and alley”. Nadia Bouzid