Tua Sorella

1980s: reflux, armed struggle and heroin. The three elements that characterised that period. Telling an increasingly popular topic, one of social unease, rebellion, drugs and freedom. This is my sister's story. At the age of twen- ty-three, she committed suicide after a period of drug addiction. I am giving her a second life, using the language and dimension of street art, letting her travel the world, as she had no way of doing. I launched a communication campaign through billboards to make her an icon. Deploying the fundamental role of art in defining perception. A photographic exhibition in constant motion, 'on the road'. In the photo- graphs, I insert vivid colours to represent hal- lucinations, phrases from her secret diaries, with glitter referencing the false illusion of drugs. The colours, a celebreation of her life. This project started out from a letter received five years after her death. It was undoubtedly her - the same words, the same way of expressing herself through another person, acting as an intermediary. This letter saved me. The pro- ject is the result of social redemption, making Mary the protagonist of a new life. I wanted to make a dream possible, giving her the magic she never believed she possessed but that I saw. She was the odd one in a world made only of rules. I broke the rules with courage, including love and pride for my sister. and with the same pride I told her story, giving her dignity. Now Mary is no longer a nobody but the sister of many. With her, my childhood never lost its magic; with her it never lost its drama. Love does not end; love always wins.