Follow My Dreams: The Story of TVBoy's Alexia Putellas Mural
In the vibrant streets of Barcelona, art often serves as a mirror to societal change and a beacon of inspiration. One such example was Follow my dreams (also known as Super Alexia), a striking mural by the Italian street artist TVBoy. Dedicated to the legendary footballer Alexia Putellas, the artwork evolved over several years, symbolizing the rise of women's football and the ongoing struggle for gender equality in sports.
Located in the Gràcia neighbourhood—an area renowned for its progressive values, support for LGBTQ+ rights, and feminist spirit—the mural was more than just a tribute to an athlete; it was a call for young girls to pursue their ambitions regardless of gender stereotypes.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Artist: TVBoy, an Italian street artist based in Barcelona.
- Subject: Alexia Putellas, captain of FC Barcelona Femení and Ballon d'Or winner.
- Location: Carrer de l'Escorial (by Joanic), Gràcia, Barcelona, Spain.
- Timeline: Originally painted in 2022, redesigned in 2023, and replaced by a new collective mural in 2024.
- Themes: Feminism, female empowerment, and the success of women's football.
The Inspiration and Design
The genesis of the mural was deeply personal. In March 2022, TVBoy's young daughter expressed her desire to become a footballer like Alexia Putellas. Inspired by his daughter's words and the simultaneous success of FC Barcelona Femení, TVBoy decided to create a piece that would encourage other girls to dream big. He unveiled the work on Father's Day in March 2022.
The choice of location was intentional. The wall had previously featured a mural of Diego Maradona, which TVBoy had painted as "half saint, half devil." After learning more about Maradona's controversies, the artist felt it was time to replace the image with one that honored a woman, stating that it was a powerful message to show a woman as the champion and star.
Evolution of the Artwork
The mural underwent two distinct phases before its eventual replacement:
- The Original (2022): Putellas was depicted as Superwoman, wearing a Barcelona shirt with a heart-shaped "A" crest and a red cape. Set against a lilac background—a color associated with feminism—the mural featured the slogan "follow your dreams."
- The Redesign (2023): Following Spain's victory at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, TVBoy and his daughter renovated the piece. The background shifted to the blue, red, and gold of the senyera (the Catalan flag) and FC Barcelona. The slogan was updated to "Labor omnia vincit improbus" (hard work conquers all), referencing Putellas' documentary.
Vandalism and Social Commentary
Despite its popularity, the mural became a target for repeated vandalism. In June 2022, it was first defaced, prompting TVBoy to restore it with the message "haters, we never surrender." By January 2023, the attacks grew more severe, with the wall covered in misogynistic and lesbophobic slurs.
These acts of vandalism were later used as educational tools. An image of the defaced mural was featured in the "Jugo com una nena!" (Play like a girl) exhibition at the Palau Robert in 2023. The exhibit used the image on a physical barrier that visitors could break down, symbolizing the dismantling of stereotypes and insults faced by female athletes.
The 2023 redesign was also vandalized in January 2024, which reports attributed to social tensions surrounding Putellas' increasing feminist activism.
The 2024 Transition
In May 2024, coinciding with FC Barcelona Femení winning the UEFA Women's Champions League and completing a continental quadruple, TVBoy replaced Follow my dreams with a new, more expansive mural. While the previous versions were renovations of a single piece, the 2024 work was an entirely new creation.
This final iteration expanded the tribute to include other stars of the team. While Putellas remained as Superwoman, the artist added Aitana Bonmatí as Wonder Woman and Salma Paralluelo as Batgirl, celebrating the collective power of the squad.
| Version | Year | Key Visuals | Slogan/Message |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 2022 | Lilac background, Putellas as Superwoman | "follow your dreams" |
| Redesign | 2023 | Blue, red, and gold background | "Labor omnia vincit improbus" |
| New Mural | 2024 | Putellas, Bonmatí, and Paralluelo as superheroes | Collective team honor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the artist behind the Alexia Putellas mural?
The mural was created by TVBoy, an Italian street artist who has been based in Barcelona for many years.
Why was the mural located in the Gràcia neighbourhood?
TVBoy chose Gràcia because it is a neighborhood known for its iconic street art and its strong support for feminism and LGBTQ+ rights, making it an ideal setting for a tribute to Putellas.
What happened to the original "Follow my dreams" mural?
After being redesigned in 2023, it was replaced in May 2024 by a new mural that featured multiple players from the Barcelona Femení team.
How did the mural address the issue of vandalism?
TVBoy restored the mural multiple times. Additionally, images of the vandalized artwork were used in the "Jugo com una nena!" exhibition to highlight and challenge the stereotypes and insults directed at female athletes.
What does the slogan "Labor omnia vincit improbus" mean?
The Latin phrase translates to "hard work conquers all," and it was chosen to reflect the title of Alexia Putellas' documentary.