Open-air masterpieces: the best street art of Pigneto in Rome

Moving to a new city, I always love to explore its neighborhoods by looking at its street art culture. For me, it’s not just a creative expression by the artist, but often also a tool to understand a little bit more about the city itself. Who are the neighborhood’s hero’s, what message do artists want to convey, what are the recurring themes?

Being one of the most bohemian neighborhoods of Rome, I particularly like Pigneto for this reason. You’ll find plenty of murals, stickers, posters, and hidden messages, not just in the always-bustling Via del Pigneto, but also in quieter, more residential streets. I’ll show you some of my favourite works.

Tribute to Pasolini

If you love the work of writer, filmmaker and poet Pier Paolo Pasolini, this neighbourhood is a must-visit: you’ll find several tributes to him on Pigneto’s walls. In Via Fanfulla da Lodi, the street where scenes of Pasolini’s film Accattone (1961) were filmed, you’ll even find three of them. Omni71’s mural is called Io so i nomi (I know the names), referring to the opening phrase of a famous article Pasolini wrote in the seventies. If you walk just a few metres further down the street and turn around, you’ll notice Pasolini’s eye. The work by street artist Mauro Pallotta, or Maupal, always seems to be watching you, no matter what angle you view it from. On the other side of the street you’ll find the stunning face of Maria played by actress Margherita Caruso in the film Il Vangelo Secondo Matteo, painted by Roman street artist Mr. Klevra.  

Street art as advertising

There are also many restaurants and shops that decided to turn their rolling shutters or the walls next to their entrances into a creative marketing tool, such as the burger restaurant on Via del Pigneto or Trattoria Pigneto in the same street. Nero Gallery, a charming art gallery (in Via Castruccio Castracane, 9) decorated its walls with a beautiful black and white piece of a pelican. And Pasticceria Dolce e Fantasia in Via Pausania (a beloved spot for sweet tooths with late night cravings because it’s open until late) decorated their walls with a colourful, pop art-inspired piece.

Hidden works

While looking out for big pieces of art, don’t forget to pay attention to the small things: Pigneto is full of stickers, posters, tiny works of art and messages on walls, traffic signs, doors and windows. The most famous example is probably the wall on the corner of Via del Pigneto and Via Caltanissetta – a beloved spot for a very Instagrammable picture.

When you’re in Via Fanfulla da Lodi to admire the tributes to Pasolini, don’t forget to look out for smaller art works as well: on the iron door under the portrait of Maria, for example, you’ll find a tiny piece of art by now world-famous Roman-born street artist Alice Pasquini. One thing is for sure: once you start paying attention, no walk through the neighbourhood will be the same, as small and big new works are constantly being added.

All images © 2019 Liza Karsemeijer