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{{Short description|2022 mural by TVBoy in Barcelona}}
{{Short description|2022 mural by TVBoy in Barcelona}}
{{Infobox artwork
{{Infobox artwork
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| image_file = Alèxia Putellas mural 20230516.jpg
| image_file = Alèxia Putellas mural 20230516.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| image_size = 300px
| caption = The original Super Alexia mural before being modified in May 2023.
| caption = The mural in May 2023
| alt = A mural showing Alexia Putellas dressed as Superwoman
| alt = A mural showing Alexia Putellas dressed as Superwoman
| painting_alignment =
| painting_alignment =
| artist = [[TVBoy]]
| artist = [[TVBoy]]
| year = 2022; re-painted and modified in 2023
| year = 2022; re-painted 2023
| type = [[Mural]]
| type = [[Mural]]
| museum =
| museum =
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| owner =
| owner =
}}
}}
'''''Follow my dreams''''' is a 2022 hand-painted [[Mural|mural]] by Italian street artist [[TVBoy]], located in [[Barcelona]]. Originally called '''''Super Alexia''''',<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Super Alexia in Barcelona|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDCjn4NiNpc|date=20 March 2022|author=TVBoy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2022-03-20|title=TVBoy cambia a Maradona por Alexia Putellas en un mural de Gràcia|url=https://metropoliabierta.elespanol.com/vivir-en-barcelona/tvboy-cambia-maradona-alexia-putellas_51767_102.html|access-date=2023-07-18|website=El Español|language=es|archive-date=2023-06-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601215219/https://metropoliabierta.elespanol.com/vivir-en-barcelona/tvboy-cambia-maradona-alexia-putellas_51767_102.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the author redesigned the work in 2023 due to frequent acts of vandalism.<ref>{{cite web|date=2023-01-25|title=Vandalizan el mural de Alexia Putellas con proclamas machistas y homófobas: "Ni fútbol, ni femenino"|url=https://www.publico.es/mujer/vandalizan-mural-alexia-putellas-lema-futbol-femenino.html|access-date=2023-07-18|website=Público|archive-date=2023-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125104152/https://www.publico.es/mujer/vandalizan-mural-alexia-putellas-lema-futbol-femenino.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Ara2023>{{cite web|last=Muñoz|first=Miquel|date=2023-10-24|title=L'artista italià que dibuixa Alexia Putellas a les parets de Barcelona|url=https://www.ara.cat/esports/barca-femeni/artista-italia-dibuixa-alexia-parets-barcelona_130_4814485.html|access-date=2024-03-01|website=Ara.cat|language=ca}}</ref> While the old work depicts footballer [[Alexia Putellas]] as [[Superwoman]] celebrating women as well as Putellas' individual and team success, in the new mural Putellas is still depicted wearing a cape, also holding up her hands in the shape of a heart and the slogan "Follow your dreams" has been replaced by "Labor omnia vincit improbus".
'''''Follow my dreams''''',<ref name=Ara2023>{{cite web|last=Muñoz|first=Miquel|date=2023-10-24|title=L'artista italià que dibuixa Alexia Putellas a les parets de Barcelona|url=https://www.ara.cat/esports/barca-femeni/artista-italia-dibuixa-alexia-parets-barcelona_130_4814485.html|access-date=2024-03-01|website=Ara.cat|language=ca}}</ref> also known as '''''Super Alexia''''',<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Super Alexia in Barcelona|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDCjn4NiNpc|date=20 March 2022|author=TVBoy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2022-03-20|title=TVBoy cambia a Maradona por Alexia Putellas en un mural de Gràcia|url=https://metropoliabierta.elespanol.com/vivir-en-barcelona/tvboy-cambia-maradona-alexia-putellas_51767_102.html|access-date=2023-07-18|website=El Español|language=es|archive-date=2023-06-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601215219/https://metropoliabierta.elespanol.com/vivir-en-barcelona/tvboy-cambia-maradona-alexia-putellas_51767_102.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2023-01-25|title=Vandalizan el mural de Alexia Putellas con proclamas machistas y homófobas: "Ni fútbol, ni femenino"|url=https://www.publico.es/mujer/vandalizan-mural-alexia-putellas-lema-futbol-femenino.html|access-date=2023-07-18|website=Público|archive-date=2023-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125104152/https://www.publico.es/mujer/vandalizan-mural-alexia-putellas-lema-futbol-femenino.html|url-status=live}}</ref> was a mural by Italian street artist [[TVBoy]], located in [[Barcelona]]. Originally painted in 2022, it depicted footballer [[Alexia Putellas]] as [[Superwoman]], celebrating women as well as Putellas' individual and team success. The original was redesigned in 2023, before being replaced in 2024 when TVBoy created a new mural featuring multiple women's footballers (including Putellas as Superwoman) on the wall.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=Les superheroïnes del Barça arriben a Gràcia |url=https://www.ccma.cat/esport3/les-superheroines-del-barca-arriben-a-gracia/noticia/3295544/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=3Cat |language=ca |quote=...l'artista TVBOY ha pintat un nou mural a la plaça Joanic de la Vila de Gràcia.}}</ref>


TVBoy was inspired to create the mural by his daughter. It was painted in the Barcelona neighbourhood of [[Gràcia]] and has been vandalised and repaired several times.
TVBoy was inspired to create the mural by his daughter. It was painted in the Barcelona neighbourhood of [[Gràcia]] and was vandalised and repaired several times.


==Background and design==
==Background and design==
Italian street artist [[TVBoy]] has been based in [[Barcelona]] for many years.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=Dibujo mural de Alexia del pintor Tvboy |url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20220318/1001769893/dibujo-mural-alexia-artista-tvboy.html |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Mundo Deportivo |language=es |archive-date=2022-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408090405/https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20220318/1001769893/dibujo-mural-alexia-artista-tvboy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2022,<ref name=":0" /> TVBoy's young daughter told him that she wanted to be a footballer like [[Alexia Putellas]], the [[Ballon d'Or Féminin|Ballon d'Or]] winner and captain of [[FC Barcelona Femení]]. The team's success in that month and his daughter's words served as inspiration for TVBoy to create a mural of Putellas that would inspire other girls.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=22 March 2022 |title=Tot costa - Tv Boy: "El mural de l'Alexia, amb el 'Follow your dreams', és per encoratjar les noves generacions" |url=https://www.ccma.cat/catradio/alacarta/tot-costa/tv-boy-el-mural-de-lalexia-amb-el-follow-your-dreams-es-per-encoratjar-les-noves-generacions/audio/1129619/ |website=CCMA |language=ca |access-date=18 July 2023 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203113713/https://www.ccma.cat/catradio/alacarta/tot-costa/tv-boy-el-mural-de-lalexia-amb-el-follow-your-dreams-es-per-encoratjar-les-noves-generacions/audio/1129619/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-31 |title=Barcelona mural honors Putellas after record breaking Clasico |url=https://www.laprensalatina.com/barcelona-mural-honors-putellas-after-record-breaking-clasico/ |website=La Prensa Latina Media |access-date=2023-07-18 |archive-date=2023-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203113700/https://www.laprensalatina.com/barcelona-mural-honors-putellas-after-record-breaking-clasico/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He unveiled the mural on [[Father's Day]] in March 2022.<ref name=":1" /> It is located on {{lang|ca|carrer de l'Escorial|italic=no}} (by [[Joanic (Barcelona Metro)|Joanic]])<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=Un mural d'Alexia Putellas pren el lloc de Maradona a Gràcia |url=https://beteve.cat/cultura/mural-alexia-putellas-maradona-gracia/ |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=beteve.cat |language=ca |archive-date=2022-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318155123/https://beteve.cat/cultura/mural-alexia-putellas-maradona-gracia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in [[Gràcia]], a neighbourhood in Barcelona that is home to iconic street art and architecture,<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":26" /> and that is supportive of [[feminism]] and [[LGBT rights in Spain|LGBTQ+ rights]], reasons TVBoy felt it was ideal for the mural of Putellas.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-31 |title=TvBoy convierte a Alexia Putellas en un icono del arte urbano en Barcelona |url=https://es-us.deportes.yahoo.com/tvboy-convierte-alexia-putellas-icono-151322498.html |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=es-US |archive-date=2022-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423224550/https://es-us.deportes.yahoo.com/tvboy-convierte-alexia-putellas-icono-151322498.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Italian street artist [[TVBoy]] has been based in [[Barcelona]] for many years.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=Dibujo mural de Alexia del pintor Tvboy |url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20220318/1001769893/dibujo-mural-alexia-artista-tvboy.html |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Mundo Deportivo |language=es |archive-date=2022-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408090405/https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20220318/1001769893/dibujo-mural-alexia-artista-tvboy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2022,<ref name=":0" /> TVBoy's young daughter told him that she wanted to be a footballer like [[Alexia Putellas]], the [[Ballon d'Or Féminin|Ballon d'Or]] winner and captain of [[FC Barcelona Femení]]. The team's success in that month and his daughter's words served as inspiration for TVBoy to create a mural of Putellas that would inspire other girls.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=22 March 2022 |title=Tot costa - Tv Boy: "El mural de l'Alexia, amb el 'Follow your dreams', és per encoratjar les noves generacions" |url=https://www.ccma.cat/catradio/alacarta/tot-costa/tv-boy-el-mural-de-lalexia-amb-el-follow-your-dreams-es-per-encoratjar-les-noves-generacions/audio/1129619/ |website=CCMA |language=ca |access-date=18 July 2023 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203113713/https://www.ccma.cat/catradio/alacarta/tot-costa/tv-boy-el-mural-de-lalexia-amb-el-follow-your-dreams-es-per-encoratjar-les-noves-generacions/audio/1129619/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-31 |title=Barcelona mural honors Putellas after record breaking Clasico |url=https://www.laprensalatina.com/barcelona-mural-honors-putellas-after-record-breaking-clasico/ |website=La Prensa Latina Media |access-date=2023-07-18 |archive-date=2023-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203113700/https://www.laprensalatina.com/barcelona-mural-honors-putellas-after-record-breaking-clasico/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He unveiled the mural on [[Father's Day]] in March 2022.<ref name=":1" /> It was located on {{lang|ca|carrer de l'Escorial|italic=no}} (by [[Joanic (Barcelona Metro)|Joanic]])<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=Un mural d'Alexia Putellas pren el lloc de Maradona a Gràcia |url=https://beteve.cat/cultura/mural-alexia-putellas-maradona-gracia/ |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=beteve.cat |language=ca |archive-date=2022-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318155123/https://beteve.cat/cultura/mural-alexia-putellas-maradona-gracia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in [[Gràcia]], a neighbourhood in Barcelona that is home to iconic street art and architecture,<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":26" /> and that is supportive of [[feminism]] and [[LGBT rights in Spain|LGBTQ+ rights]], reasons TVBoy felt it was ideal for the mural of Putellas.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-31 |title=TvBoy convierte a Alexia Putellas en un icono del arte urbano en Barcelona |url=https://es-us.deportes.yahoo.com/tvboy-convierte-alexia-putellas-icono-151322498.html |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=es-US |archive-date=2022-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423224550/https://es-us.deportes.yahoo.com/tvboy-convierte-alexia-putellas-icono-151322498.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


The location previously featured a different TVBoy mural, of Argentine footballer [[Diego Maradona]] painted after his death;<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> the Maradona mural had received some negative responses.<ref name=":1" /> TVBoy had painted Maradona as "half saint, half devil" to reflect his issues, but said that when he learned more of Maradona's controversies he wanted to replace it with artwork honouring a woman, that "[he] thought it was a good message that this time a woman was the champion, the star".<ref name=":4" />
The location previously featured a different TVBoy mural, of Argentine footballer [[Diego Maradona]] painted after his death;<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> the Maradona mural had received some negative responses.<ref name=":1" /> TVBoy had painted Maradona as "half saint, half devil" to reflect his issues, but said that when he learned more of Maradona's controversies he wanted to replace it with artwork honouring a woman, that "[he] thought it was a good message that this time a woman was the champion, the star".<ref name=":4" />


Initially, the mural depicted Putellas as [[Superwoman]], wearing a Barcelona shirt with an "A" in a heart on the chest like a superhero crest, and a red cape. The background was [[Lilac (color)|lilac]] to represent feminism and featured the slogan "follow your dreams".<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-25 |title=Lamentables insultos a Alexia Putellas en un mural de Barcelona |url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/vaya-mundo/20230125/1001925424/tortillera-feminazi-lamentables-insultos-alexia-putellas-mural-barcelona-dct.html |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=Mundo Deportivo |language=es |archive-date=2023-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203113659/https://www.mundodeportivo.com/vaya-mundo/20230125/1001925424/tortillera-feminazi-lamentables-insultos-alexia-putellas-mural-barcelona-dct.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":26">{{Cite web |date=2023-02-12 |title=Tvboy restaura el mural que dedicó a Alexia Putellas y fue vandalizado con insultos lesbófobos |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/barcelona/20230212/8751520/tvboy-restaura-mural-dedico-alexia-putellas-vandalizado-insultos-lesbofobos.html |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=La Vanguardia |language=es |archive-date=2023-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301132900/https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/barcelona/20230212/8751520/tvboy-restaura-mural-dedico-alexia-putellas-vandalizado-insultos-lesbofobos.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2023, following Spain's victory at the [[2023 FIFA Women's World Cup]] and repeated vandalism of the original, TVBoy and his daughter redesigned the mural. Putellas is still depicted wearing a cape, also holding up her hands in the shape of a heart. Her shirt and the background of the mural are painted in blue, red and gold — a mix of the colours of FC Barcelona and the [[senyera]]. The slogan has been replaced with "[[Labor omnia vincit improbus]]", reflecting the title of Putellas' documentary ''[[Alexia: Labor Omnia Vincit]]''.<ref name=Ara2023/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/tvboy/status/1705867487596666887|title=Mi hija y yo hemos decidido renovar el mural dedicado a #Alexia Putellas en Barcelona para que siga inspirando a las nuevas generaciones. ¡Con el esfuerzo todos los sueños se pueden conseguir!|author=TVBOY|via=X (Twitter)|date=24 September 2023|language=Spanish}}</ref>
Initially, the mural depicted Putellas as [[Superwoman]], wearing a Barcelona shirt with an "A" in a heart on the chest like a superhero crest, and a red cape. The background was [[Lilac (color)|lilac]] to represent feminism and featured the slogan "follow your dreams".<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-25 |title=Lamentables insultos a Alexia Putellas en un mural de Barcelona |url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/vaya-mundo/20230125/1001925424/tortillera-feminazi-lamentables-insultos-alexia-putellas-mural-barcelona-dct.html |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=Mundo Deportivo |language=es |archive-date=2023-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203113659/https://www.mundodeportivo.com/vaya-mundo/20230125/1001925424/tortillera-feminazi-lamentables-insultos-alexia-putellas-mural-barcelona-dct.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":26">{{Cite web |date=2023-02-12 |title=Tvboy restaura el mural que dedicó a Alexia Putellas y fue vandalizado con insultos lesbófobos |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/barcelona/20230212/8751520/tvboy-restaura-mural-dedico-alexia-putellas-vandalizado-insultos-lesbofobos.html |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=La Vanguardia |language=es |archive-date=2023-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301132900/https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/barcelona/20230212/8751520/tvboy-restaura-mural-dedico-alexia-putellas-vandalizado-insultos-lesbofobos.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2023, following Spain's victory at the [[2023 FIFA Women's World Cup]] and repeated vandalism of the original, TVBoy and his daughter redesigned the mural. In the renovated mural, Putellas was depicted wearing a cape and holding up her hands in the shape of a heart. Her shirt and the background of the mural were painted in blue, red and gold — a mix of the colours of FC Barcelona and the [[senyera]]. The slogan was replaced with "[[Labor omnia vincit improbus]]", reflecting the title of Putellas' documentary ''[[Alexia: Labor Omnia Vincit]]''.<ref name=Ara2023/><ref name=":8">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/tvboy/status/1705867487596666887|title=Mi hija y yo hemos decidido renovar el mural dedicado a #Alexia Putellas en Barcelona para que siga inspirando a las nuevas generaciones. ¡Con el esfuerzo todos los sueños se pueden conseguir!|author=TVBOY|via=X (Twitter)|date=24 September 2023|language=Spanish}}</ref>


== Vandalism ==
== Vandalism ==
[[File:Àmbit_2_Palau_Robert_Jugo_com_una_nena_(cropped).jpg|thumb|Comments from the vandalised mural used as a physical barrier at a women's sport exhibition in 2023<ref name=":5">{{cite web |title=Vilagrà inaugura l'exposició 'Jugo com una nena!' que busca reivindicar l'esport femení |url=http://govern.cat/salapremsa/notes-premsa/522762/vilagra-inaugura-lexposicio-jugo-nena-que-busca-reivindicar-lesport-femeni |website=Govern.cat |language=ca |access-date=2023-07-18 |archive-date=2023-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721032145/https://govern.cat/salapremsa/notes-premsa/522762/vilagra-inaugura-lexposicio-jugo-nena-que-busca-reivindicar-lesport-femeni |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite web |title=Jugo com una nena! (Fins al 25 de setembre) |url=http://palaurobert.gencat.cat/ca/exposicions/sala1/2023/jugo-com-una-nena/ |website=Palau Robert |language=ca-ES |access-date=2023-07-18 |archive-date=2023-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721032144/https://palaurobert.gencat.cat/ca/exposicions/sala1/2023/jugo-com-una-nena/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
The mural was praised for reflecting in art and society the growing views that "heroes no longer need to be men" and that football is not only for men.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-24 |title=¿Qué hace un caballo en esta casa de Terrassa? |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/participacion/las-fotos-de-los-lectores/20230624/9057426/has-visto-caballo-escondido-terrassa.html |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=La Vanguardia |language=es |archive-date=2023-06-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628104352/https://www.lavanguardia.com/participacion/las-fotos-de-los-lectores/20230624/9057426/has-visto-caballo-escondido-terrassa.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite Putellas and the mural both being popular in Barcelona, it was vandalised,<ref name=":23" /> first in June 2022, with TVBoy fixing it and sharing the message "haters, we never surrender" on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benintende |first=Salvatore |date=14 June 2022 |title=Working overtime to fix @alexiaputellas mural in Barcelona. Haters, we never surrender |url=https://twitter.com/tvboy/status/1536963997307654144 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615064923/https://twitter.com/tvboy/status/1536963997307654144 |archive-date=15 June 2022 |website=Twitter}}</ref> In January 2023 it was defaced with graffiti of [[Lesbophobia|lesbophobic]] slurs and misogynistic comments;<ref name=":23" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-23 |title=Vandalitzat amb insults homòfobs el mural d'Alèxia Putellas a Barcelona |url=https://www.ccma.cat/esport3/vandalitzat-amb-insults-homofobs-el-mural-dalexia-putellas-a-barcelona/noticia/3208227/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=CCMA |language=ca |archive-date=2023-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203113700/https://www.ccma.cat/esport3/vandalitzat-amb-insults-homofobs-el-mural-dalexia-putellas-a-barcelona/noticia/3208227/ |url-status=live }}</ref> TVBoy was in Ukraine at the time, but restored it again in February.<ref name=":26" /> An image of the vandalised mural was shown at the {{lang|ca|"Jugo com una nena!"|italic=no}} ({{trans|Play like a girl}}) exhibition at the [[Palau Robert]] in summer 2023, illustrating insults and stereotypes of female athletes. The image is displayed on a wall that is placed as a physical barrier on a running track, which visitors to the exhibition can break down.<ref name=":5">{{cite web |title=Vilagrà inaugura l'exposició 'Jugo com una nena!' que busca reivindicar l'esport femení |url=http://govern.cat/salapremsa/notes-premsa/522762/vilagra-inaugura-lexposicio-jugo-nena-que-busca-reivindicar-lesport-femeni |website=Govern.cat |language=ca |access-date=2023-07-18 |archive-date=2023-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721032145/https://govern.cat/salapremsa/notes-premsa/522762/vilagra-inaugura-lexposicio-jugo-nena-que-busca-reivindicar-lesport-femeni |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite web |title=Jugo com una nena! (Fins al 25 de setembre) |url=http://palaurobert.gencat.cat/ca/exposicions/sala1/2023/jugo-com-una-nena/ |website=Palau Robert |language=ca-ES |access-date=2023-07-18 |archive-date=2023-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721032144/https://palaurobert.gencat.cat/ca/exposicions/sala1/2023/jugo-com-una-nena/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The mural was praised for reflecting in art and society the growing views that "heroes no longer need to be men" and that football is not only for men.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-24 |title=¿Qué hace un caballo en esta casa de Terrassa? |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/participacion/las-fotos-de-los-lectores/20230624/9057426/has-visto-caballo-escondido-terrassa.html |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=La Vanguardia |language=es |archive-date=2023-06-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628104352/https://www.lavanguardia.com/participacion/las-fotos-de-los-lectores/20230624/9057426/has-visto-caballo-escondido-terrassa.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite Putellas and the mural both being popular in Barcelona, it has been vandalised,<ref name=":23" /> first in June 2022, with TVBoy fixing it and sharing the message "haters, we never surrender" on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benintende |first=Salvatore |date=14 June 2022 |title=Working overtime to fix @alexiaputellas mural in Barcelona. Haters, we never surrender |url=https://twitter.com/tvboy/status/1536963997307654144 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615064923/https://twitter.com/tvboy/status/1536963997307654144 |archive-date=15 June 2022 |website=Twitter}}</ref> In January 2023 it was defaced with graffiti of [[Lesbophobia|lesbophobic]] slurs and misogynistic comments;<ref name=":23" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-23 |title=Vandalitzat amb insults homòfobs el mural d'Alèxia Putellas a Barcelona |url=https://www.ccma.cat/esport3/vandalitzat-amb-insults-homofobs-el-mural-dalexia-putellas-a-barcelona/noticia/3208227/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=CCMA |language=ca |archive-date=2023-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203113700/https://www.ccma.cat/esport3/vandalitzat-amb-insults-homofobs-el-mural-dalexia-putellas-a-barcelona/noticia/3208227/ |url-status=live }}</ref> TVBoy was in Ukraine at the time, but restored it again in February.<ref name=":26" /> An image of the vandalised mural was shown at the {{lang|ca|"Jugo com una nena!"|italic=no}} ({{trans|Play like a girl}}) exhibition at the [[Palau Robert]] in summer 2023, illustrating insults and stereotypes of female athletes. The image is displayed on a wall that is placed as a physical barrier on a running track, which visitors to the exhibition can break down.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" />


The redesigned mural was vandalised in January 2024, with ''[[La Vanguardia]]'' writing this was because of social tensions over her increased feminist activism.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-01-22|title=“Z*rra”, el vergonzoso insulto en el mural de Alexia Putellas de Barcelona|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/gente/20240122/9503450/z-rra-vergonzoso-insulto-mural-alexia-putellas-barcelona-mmn.html|access-date=2024-03-01|website=La Vanguardia|language=es}}</ref>
The redesigned mural was vandalised in January 2024, with ''[[La Vanguardia]]'' writing this was because of social tensions over Putellas' increased feminist activism.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-01-22|title=“Z*rra”, el vergonzoso insulto en el mural de Alexia Putellas de Barcelona|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/gente/20240122/9503450/z-rra-vergonzoso-insulto-mural-alexia-putellas-barcelona-mmn.html|access-date=2024-03-01|website=La Vanguardia|language=es}}</ref>


== Removal ==
== Labor omnia vincit improbus ==
In May 2024, TVBoy created a new mural in honour of the Barcelona Femení team – who that month had won the [[2024 UEFA Women's Champions League final]] to complete a continental quadruple – to replace ''Follow my dreams''. The 2024 mural was described as new;<ref name=":7" /> the 2023 redesign had been described by TVBoy as a renovation of the same original mural.<ref name=":8" /> The new mural still featured Putellas as Superwoman, also incorporating images of teammates [[Aitana Bonmatí]] as [[Wonder Woman]] and [[Salma Paralluelo]] as [[Batgirl]].<ref name=":7" />
{{See also|Labor omnia vincit|Alexia: Labor Omnia Vincit}}

'''Labor omnia vincit''' or '''Labor omnia vincit improbus''' is a [[list of Latin phrases|Latin phrase]] meaning "Work conquers all". The slogan is reflecting the title of Putellas' 2022 documentary ''[[Alexia: Labor Omnia Vincit]]''.<ref name=Ara2023/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/tvboy/status/1705867487596666887|title=Mi hija y yo hemos decidido renovar el mural dedicado a #Alexia Putellas en Barcelona para que siga inspirando a las nuevas generaciones. ¡Con el esfuerzo todos los sueños se pueden conseguir!|author=TVBOY|via=X (Twitter)|date=24 September 2023|language=Spanish}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Feminism in Spain]]
[[Category:Feminism in Spain]]
[[Category:Women's football in Spain]]
[[Category:Women's football in Spain]]
[[Category:LGBT art]]
[[Category:LGBTQ art]]

Latest revision as of 03:27, 23 September 2024

Follow my dreams
A mural showing Alexia Putellas dressed as Superwoman
The mural in May 2023
ArtistTVBoy
Year2022; re-painted 2023
TypeMural
LocationGràcia, Barcelona, Spain

Follow my dreams,[1] also known as Super Alexia,[2][3][4] was a mural by Italian street artist TVBoy, located in Barcelona. Originally painted in 2022, it depicted footballer Alexia Putellas as Superwoman, celebrating women as well as Putellas' individual and team success. The original was redesigned in 2023, before being replaced in 2024 when TVBoy created a new mural featuring multiple women's footballers (including Putellas as Superwoman) on the wall.[5]

TVBoy was inspired to create the mural by his daughter. It was painted in the Barcelona neighbourhood of Gràcia and was vandalised and repaired several times.

Background and design

Italian street artist TVBoy has been based in Barcelona for many years.[6] In March 2022,[6] TVBoy's young daughter told him that she wanted to be a footballer like Alexia Putellas, the Ballon d'Or winner and captain of FC Barcelona Femení. The team's success in that month and his daughter's words served as inspiration for TVBoy to create a mural of Putellas that would inspire other girls.[7][8] He unveiled the mural on Father's Day in March 2022.[7] It was located on carrer de l'Escorial (by Joanic)[9] in Gràcia, a neighbourhood in Barcelona that is home to iconic street art and architecture,[10][11] and that is supportive of feminism and LGBTQ+ rights, reasons TVBoy felt it was ideal for the mural of Putellas.[12]

The location previously featured a different TVBoy mural, of Argentine footballer Diego Maradona painted after his death;[8][9] the Maradona mural had received some negative responses.[7] TVBoy had painted Maradona as "half saint, half devil" to reflect his issues, but said that when he learned more of Maradona's controversies he wanted to replace it with artwork honouring a woman, that "[he] thought it was a good message that this time a woman was the champion, the star".[12]

Initially, the mural depicted Putellas as Superwoman, wearing a Barcelona shirt with an "A" in a heart on the chest like a superhero crest, and a red cape. The background was lilac to represent feminism and featured the slogan "follow your dreams".[10][11] In September 2023, following Spain's victory at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and repeated vandalism of the original, TVBoy and his daughter redesigned the mural. In the renovated mural, Putellas was depicted wearing a cape and holding up her hands in the shape of a heart. Her shirt and the background of the mural were painted in blue, red and gold — a mix of the colours of FC Barcelona and the senyera. The slogan was replaced with "Labor omnia vincit improbus", reflecting the title of Putellas' documentary Alexia: Labor Omnia Vincit.[1][13]

Vandalism

The mural was praised for reflecting in art and society the growing views that "heroes no longer need to be men" and that football is not only for men.[14] Despite Putellas and the mural both being popular in Barcelona, it was vandalised,[10] first in June 2022, with TVBoy fixing it and sharing the message "haters, we never surrender" on social media.[15] In January 2023 it was defaced with graffiti of lesbophobic slurs and misogynistic comments;[10][16] TVBoy was in Ukraine at the time, but restored it again in February.[11] An image of the vandalised mural was shown at the "Jugo com una nena!" (transl. Play like a girl) exhibition at the Palau Robert in summer 2023, illustrating insults and stereotypes of female athletes. The image is displayed on a wall that is placed as a physical barrier on a running track, which visitors to the exhibition can break down.[17][18]

The redesigned mural was vandalised in January 2024, with La Vanguardia writing this was because of social tensions over Putellas' increased feminist activism.[19]

Removal

In May 2024, TVBoy created a new mural in honour of the Barcelona Femení team – who that month had won the 2024 UEFA Women's Champions League final to complete a continental quadruple – to replace Follow my dreams. The 2024 mural was described as new;[5] the 2023 redesign had been described by TVBoy as a renovation of the same original mural.[13] The new mural still featured Putellas as Superwoman, also incorporating images of teammates Aitana Bonmatí as Wonder Woman and Salma Paralluelo as Batgirl.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b Muñoz, Miquel (2023-10-24). "L'artista italià que dibuixa Alexia Putellas a les parets de Barcelona". Ara.cat (in Catalan). Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  2. ^ TVBoy (20 March 2022). Super Alexia in Barcelona.
  3. ^ "TVBoy cambia a Maradona por Alexia Putellas en un mural de Gràcia". El Español (in Spanish). 2022-03-20. Archived from the original on 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  4. ^ "Vandalizan el mural de Alexia Putellas con proclamas machistas y homófobas: "Ni fútbol, ni femenino"". Público. 2023-01-25. Archived from the original on 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  5. ^ a b c "Les superheroïnes del Barça arriben a Gràcia". 3Cat (in Catalan). 2024-05-30. Retrieved 2024-05-31. ...l'artista TVBOY ha pintat un nou mural a la plaça Joanic de la Vila de Gràcia.
  6. ^ a b "Dibujo mural de Alexia del pintor Tvboy". Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 2022-03-18. Archived from the original on 2022-04-08. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  7. ^ a b c "Tot costa - Tv Boy: "El mural de l'Alexia, amb el 'Follow your dreams', és per encoratjar les noves generacions"". CCMA (in Catalan). 22 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  8. ^ a b "Barcelona mural honors Putellas after record breaking Clasico". La Prensa Latina Media. 2022-03-31. Archived from the original on 2023-02-03. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  9. ^ a b "Un mural d'Alexia Putellas pren el lloc de Maradona a Gràcia". beteve.cat (in Catalan). 2022-03-18. Archived from the original on 2022-03-18. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  10. ^ a b c d "Lamentables insultos a Alexia Putellas en un mural de Barcelona". Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 2023-01-25. Archived from the original on 2023-02-03. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  11. ^ a b c "Tvboy restaura el mural que dedicó a Alexia Putellas y fue vandalizado con insultos lesbófobos". La Vanguardia (in Spanish). 2023-02-12. Archived from the original on 2023-03-01. Retrieved 2023-03-01.
  12. ^ a b "TvBoy convierte a Alexia Putellas en un icono del arte urbano en Barcelona". Yahoo Sports (in Spanish). 2022-03-31. Archived from the original on 2022-04-23. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  13. ^ a b TVBOY (24 September 2023). "Mi hija y yo hemos decidido renovar el mural dedicado a #Alexia Putellas en Barcelona para que siga inspirando a las nuevas generaciones. ¡Con el esfuerzo todos los sueños se pueden conseguir!" (in Spanish) – via X (Twitter).
  14. ^ "¿Qué hace un caballo en esta casa de Terrassa?". La Vanguardia (in Spanish). 2023-06-24. Archived from the original on 2023-06-28. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  15. ^ Benintende, Salvatore (14 June 2022). "Working overtime to fix @alexiaputellas mural in Barcelona. Haters, we never surrender". Twitter. Archived from the original on 15 June 2022.
  16. ^ "Vandalitzat amb insults homòfobs el mural d'Alèxia Putellas a Barcelona". CCMA (in Catalan). 2023-01-23. Archived from the original on 2023-02-03. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  17. ^ "Vilagrà inaugura l'exposició 'Jugo com una nena!' que busca reivindicar l'esport femení". Govern.cat (in Catalan). Archived from the original on 2023-07-21. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  18. ^ "Jugo com una nena! (Fins al 25 de setembre)". Palau Robert (in Catalan). Archived from the original on 2023-07-21. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  19. ^ ""Z*rra", el vergonzoso insulto en el mural de Alexia Putellas de Barcelona". La Vanguardia (in Spanish). 2024-01-22. Retrieved 2024-03-01.