Lugaxy Astro Forest: The Third Chapter of Lugano's Cosmic Street Art Journey
- yuri230
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Yuri Catania Unveils "Lugaxy Astro Forest" to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Lugano Congress Palace
Yuri Catania celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Lugano Congress Palace with his third monumental installation, "Lugaxy Astro Forest," transforming the Palace's facade into a breathtaking tribute to the forests that surround Lugano. This latest work serves as a powerful reminder that no separation exists between urban and natural landscapes – that humanity and nature exist in constant dialogue.
The "Lugaxy Astro Forest" installation represents the culmination of a three-year artistic journey that began with "Lugaxy Astro Flowers" and continued with "Lugaxy Astro Lake." Rather than replacing these previous works, the new installation creates innovative overlays, building upon the existing elements to craft a surreal, dreamlike composition where the flowers of Ciani Park and the aquatic beings of Lake Ceresio now coexist with mushrooms and butterflies native to the region.
"This project is an invitation to rediscover and value our urban forests," explains Catania. "Many people know Lugano's parks, gardens, and lakefront, but few realize that over 60% of the municipal territory is covered by forests. These green spaces are not only beautiful and quiete but are also fundamental to biodiversity and the health of our urban ecosystem."
At the heart of all three installations stands the iconic astronaut figure – a tribute to Switzerland's astronaut, Claude Nicollier, and a symbol of human genius, curiosity, and technological capability. However, in Catania's vision, the astronaut transcends mere technology, becoming a bridge between our scientific future and our human, natural present.
"The astronaut chooses to immerse himself in the nature of our territory to remain part of it," Catania notes. "This figure becomes the symbolic bridge between our scientific and technological future and our human and natural present. It's a call not to lose our connection with the physical world – with trees, flowers, water, and forests."
Revolutionary Paste-Up Technique on Epic Scale
Catania's distinctive paste-up technique involves creating, printing, and meticulously cutting out images and photographs on paper, which are then applied directly to urban surfaces. However, his approach transcends traditional street art decoration, transforming public spaces into symbolic, poetic locations capable of telling collective stories.
The ephemeral nature of the work is central to its philosophy. Created with natural, biodegradable, and sustainable materials, the installations are designed to be temporary, transforming over time without leaving permanent traces. "It's an art that lives and transforms: it's born, ages, and dies, remaining in the city's memory," Catania explains.
Community Engagement at the Core
True to Catania's participatory approach, "Lugaxy Astro Forest" actively involves the local population in its creation. The artist invites community members to help cut out paper elements – mushrooms, forest animals, and butterflies – and participate in the mounting process, creating a sense of belonging and community ownership.
Public Participation Schedule:
Installation Period: July 7-13, 2025
Community Participation: July 10-13, 2025
Activity: Cutting out mushrooms, forest animals, and butterflies
Registration: Mandatory through the MyLugano application
"Art Will Save the World" – A Philosophy of Hope
The motto "Art Will Save the World" drives Catania's vision. "It's not just a slogan: it's hope, a wish, a responsibility," he states. "For Lugano and the world of congress tourism, it means believing that art is not an ornament but an engine of change, dialogue, and shared beauty."
This anniversary installation represents more than artistic celebration – it's a statement about the future. "In such a special year, I want to celebrate not only the past of this place but also its future," Catania reflects. "To transform the walls of this house that hosts the world in Lugano into a symbol of continuity, transformation, and rebirth, where technological innovation and environmental and civil sustainability can coexist in harmony."
The "Lugaxy Astro Forest" installation transforms the Congress Palace into a living canvas where the boundaries between urban architecture and natural environment dissolve, creating a space for reflection, wonder, and community connection that will resonate with visitors from around the world.