The forms don’t belong to anyone. Davide Trabucco’s artistic philosophy reveals this to us: a philosophy translated into visual combinations, in collages of paintings and snapshots, of statues and objects distant in time and meaning, not in aesthetic continuity.

Confórmi is the visual archive that contains all this, a project contaminated by art, design, architecture and, partially, by sport. A constantly updated catalog, based on the need to start from the pre-existing one to produce novelties, to arouse an unexpected sensorial impact. In Trabucco’s works certainties mix, merge, becoming uncertainty, releasing a profound aesthetic and enigmatic force.

We explored this alternative world, where everything sees its original meaning change, and we focused, in particular, on the many sporting icons and moments present within it.

How and why was the ‘Confórmi’ visual archive born? What are the idea and vision behind this project?

Confórmi was born from the need to order my heritage of visual references. The will was to share this system of references on the web, to make everyone participate in some way in my world view.

The images that make up this archive are “stolen” from the web, and to “close the loop” it was normal to think of a way to return them to the web world.

Instagram turned out to be the ideal place to share these images, because more than others it’s the social network that works effectively with images. After all, the texts on Instagram matter very little.

What meanings are hidden behind the name ‘Confórmi’ and the mantra “the forms don’t belong to anyone”?

Choosing a name was fundamental for the recognition of the project on social networks. So I looked for a word that could summarize one of the main aspects of ‘Cónformi’: the similarity that binds the images to each other.

“Forms don’t belong to anyone” is a sort of programmatic manifesto: forms pre-exist to the things we create, in some way they’ve always been present in the world around us and we do nothing but reuse them and give them new meanings.

How does the sporting act fit into your research and artistic production?

The sporting act, in the case of Confórmi for example, is mainly linked to the body and the position it occupies in space: a body under stress enhances a certain part of the muscles and develops different shapes in its own way.

Senna, MJ, Maradona… What kind of artistic-visual inspiration do these icons give and how do you manage to blend them with classical art, fashion and master photography?

Sports champions have always been present in the collective imagination and using their images fills the entire work with numerous meanings.

What does sport represent in your personal and artistic life?

For me, sport mainly concerns Inter. It’s the only thing I follow with a certain continuity. I especially like individual sports, and I often watch swimming and tennis.

Sport teaches above all methodicality and regularity, which also become useful in an artistic journey, in which it’s often believed that only flair and creativity count.

Contrary to this it’s often necessary to stay focused on things for a long time before seeing results, like in sports.

What do you think of the increasingly interweaving between contemporary art/design and sport?

The link between sport and art is an indissoluble link and has distant roots. Just think about the countless representations of sportsmen who have come to us through classical statuary, or the many Greek and Roman architecture linked to the world of sport (arenas or stadiums) that we’ve inherited.

Will sports inspiration find further space in your future productions, even outside the ‘Confórmi’ project?

Sport is part of my imagination so, like all things that interest me, it influences more or less evidently the things I do. It’s always very useful to look at areas that seem to have little in common with your work, because they allow you to look at your world from a different perspective and to take advantages with new expressive opportunities.

The balance between design and pop art, between horizontal asphalt and vertical walls, between imaginary worlds and dream associations. Mur0ne, nickname of Iker Muro, since 2002 has found its own virgin canvas in the urban landscape.

Born in Bilbao, his graphic-visual paths have exponentially populated the Spanish cities, quickly arriving to migrate beyond the Iberian borders. The production of this street artist has recently begun to flow into the sports universe and, at the same time, to draw from it.

During a break from brushes and paints, we asked Mur0ne to tell us about his artistic path, about his connection with sport and to lead us into those city views that he has been able to transform into unique panoramas.

How was your artistic passion born and how has it evolved over time?

I have been drawing since I was a child. I studied graphic design in my teens, which combined with street graffiti, led me to paint murals and travel the world. I never had a special interest in art, let’s say it was graffiti that led me later to become interested in more ‘classical’ art.

What role did sport play in your artistic production? Which sports are you particularly fond of?

I painted a tennis court a couple of years ago and I haven’t stopped since. The impact that social networks and the internet have to spread the work is overwhelming. I have no special connection to sports like tennis or basketball, I played soccer as a child like all children in Spain. However, the sports I am really into are sliding sports, like skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding, those are without a doubt my sports.

Basketball courts, skateboards, tennis courts… How do your colors fit into these contexts and objects?

Well, it is clear that the courts on which I do my art are not intended for a “professional” use. They are usually schools or public courts where the interest lies more in making users (children and adolescents) discover that there are other ways of understanding the functionality of things or the approach they can give to their lives. We always tell our children that they must be doctors or teachers but when they discover that there is a guy painting the floor of the schoolyard and he makes a living out of it, their heads “explode”.

What do you think of the increasingly intense relationship between graphic/visual arts and sport?

Design, illustration, and art have always been closely linked to sport. From advances in sneaker design to the connection between street art and sports. I suppose that the freshness and intensity of both media connect perfectly and that is why sports brands want to have collaborations with urban artists.

“Wall Is My Name” is your latest publication. Would you tell us something about it? 

Wall is my name is the book that compiles at least 15 years of career as a muralist. Although there are previous images of my early days in graffiti, 20 years ago, the bulk of the book is my most current work. We have worked hard for over a year collecting images and designing a book that has a lot of weight and personal value, I cannot be happier with the result, the book has soul.

What are your plans for the near future? I saw that most of your works are in Spain, will you expand them more and more outside your country?

Yes, right now I am traveling to Senegal, I had the opportunity in the past to carry out a couple of projects in West Africa and, of course, I will always be ready to continue painting beyond my borders.

A story that can inspire, that can break stereotypes. A story that can change internal and external perceptions, that can change lives.

Chelsea Werner is a winning gymnast, Chelsea Werner is an established model, Chelsea Werner was born with Down syndrome.

For this American athlete, artistic gymnastics meant much more than the two world gold medals and the four Special Olympics national titles: parallels and balance beams have become a way to discover an unexpected life made up of personal satisfactions and evolutions, of a positive impact on the collectivity.

The intense portraits of Alejandro Poveda lead us into the world of ‘Showtimewerner’, a pioneer who, with her deeds, is marking the path of contemporary inclusion. A multifaceted inclusion, which ranges from international competitions to the modeling career that began recklessly and, today, has reached an incredible level of resonance (as demonstrated, for example, by the recent H&M campaign).

We were lucky enough to chat with Chelsea and her mother Lisa, trying to explore a story that goes beyond simple sporting excellence.

What does artistic gymnastics mean to you and what role has it played in your life?  

Gymnastics has been part of my life ever since I can remember. At first it was a fun activity to do with friends. When I started competing with Special Olympics I really loved the crowd cheering for me.  When I started training with a coach who saw past my disability I really started to improve. I learned to work really hard. I became very confident and was at my best under pressure. That’s when I got my nickname ‘Showtimewerner’. I think that confidence and work ethic has helped me in all areas of my life. 

What value did international victories have for you? Did you experience them as simple sporting achievements or as something more?  

I felt very proud of my two World Championship victories! I loved seeing the American Flag being raised and hearing my National Anthem playing.

Gymnastics and medals, the world of fashion and cameras: is there some feeling or emotion inside you that unites these two worlds?  

From a young age I became very comfortable in front of a camera. I loved being in front of a camera. When I did my first modeling job for H&M in Havana, Cuba, I fell in love with modeling. I love the excitement that both competing in gymnastics and modeling bring into my life. 

How important do you think it’s to break the stereotype walls in modern society? And how useful do you think are, from this point of view, media such as sport and the world of fashion? 

This question is answered by Lisa, Chelsea’s mother.

As Chelsea’s mom I see the importance and value in what Chelsea has done and is continuing to do. When Chelsea was born there were very few role model’s of individuals with Down Syndrome. The future did not look very promising for Chelsea.

Thanks to media people around the world are able to see what Chelsea has accomplished. It has given so much hope to new parents who are looking for guidance and inspiration for their children. It’s so rewarding to hear how Chelsea is helping so many people around the world. A great example of this is Chris Nikic. Chris just became the first individual with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon. Chris’s father wrote us a letter saying the only reason they thought it was at all possible was because they had followed Chelsea’s story.

What are your future projects? Will you still be able to maintain a balance between these two universes in your life? And will there also be time to work on something else?

Because of COVID-19 many events have been canceled. I am now training and competing in USA GYMNASTICS (with my non-disabled peers). I am back with my original coach Dawn, who took me to my two World Championships. I am excited to be learning new skills and my gymnastics has never been better. In addition to my modeling agencies in New York and LA I’m now signed with Milk Modeling Management in London. I will be going to London as soon as restrictions are lifted.  I love my hip hop dance class and hanging out with my friends. I am also an aunt and have 3 nephews and a niece that are the best!