For Willy, a large mural created by Ozmo in Paliano.

Street artist Ozmo has created a large mural in Paliano depicting Willy Monteiro Duarte, the 21-year-old boy who was killed in Colleferro on the night of Sept. 5-6. The work was unveiled yesterday, September 15, and the initiative was promoted by Vanity Fair.

Ozmo’s Facebook profile reads, "I accepted the invitation of Simone Marchetti, editor of Vanity Fair, to help create a permanent work in Paliano, Willy’s town, a tribute that would keep his memory alive through art.
I left from Paris, where I reside, the same night, thinking only of devising the sketch and meeting with Willy’s family, his friends, the mayor and the community, because it was necessary for me to collaborate with them to realize this intervention in that context, on that precise wall. Making a mural for Willy, in the very places that belong to him, was an intense and symbolic experience.
After three days of uninterrupted work now ’for Willy’ is in Largo Aldo Moro, which is a junction of the historic center and a gathering place for the whole community .
I chose to paint the picture in which Willy is smiling, sunny and spontaneous, I found the detail of the hands very symbolic: at first glance they can almost look like fists in a gesture of defense, in reality he is using them to fix his collar.
The portrait is clean, hyper-realistic, without any visual invasion. I increased the brightness of the face to make it even more vivid and saturated the background to bathe it in a golden light. As in an antique table, the gold illuminates, enhances the actuality of the image and refers to the sacred.
A small but precious detail: the halo put over the initial of his name, as his friends asked me during the making of the painting.
The work ’for Willy’ is part of the project conceived by Vanity Fair and realized in collaboration with the mayor of the city of Paliano. The expected fee for its realization will be entirely donated to charity.
I renew my sympathy to Willy’s family and friends and to the community."

“This mural,” commented Paliano Mayor Domenico Alfieri, "represents yet another testimony of the closeness of the Paliano community to Willy’s family and friends. The example of this wonderful young man, of his courage and selflessness, will remain for everyone an indispensable compass for our future. I thank Ozmo for contributing with his art to keep Willy’s memory alive and to Vanity Fair magazine for showing extreme sensitivity in the face of the tragedy that has struck us."

Ph.Credit Marco Garofalo

For Willy, a large mural created by Ozmo in Paliano.

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