Over 300 people, dressed in blue and directed by artist Elena Tagliapietra, formed a massive human wave. This artistic performance combined community, beauty, technology, and awareness to address one of the most pressing global issues of our time. A visually powerful message, supported by the local community yet carrying universal significance.
Over 300 people, dressed in blue and directed by artist Elena Tagliapietra, formed a massive human wave. This artistic performance combined community, beauty, technology, and awareness to address one of the most pressing global issues of our time. A visually powerful message, supported by the local community yet carrying universal significance.
On November 24, 2024, Campo Santa Maria Formosa hosted the collective performance A Human Wave Against Gender Violence – Un’Onda Umana Contro la Violenza di Genere, created by artist Elena Tagliapietra to mark the 30th anniversary of the Anti-Violence Center of the Municipality of Venice. The event, part of the November Women, Free from Violence 2024 program, gathered around 300 participants, transforming the square into a human river dressed in blue to convey a message of hope and solidarity against all forms of violence toward women.
To create the scenic effect, approximately 500 meters of blue fabric were used, producing a symbolic and impactful wave.
The performance also featured a dimension of great originality and visual impact, as striking images and original artworks by the artist were superimposed in real-time onto the human wave using green screen technology, amplifying the symbolic and artistic significance of the event.
Unexpectedly, the performance was enriched by flash mobs performed by groups from ASD Palextra and Studio Danza 53: the former used blue ribbons and hoops, while the latter showcased urban dance, adding energy and creativity to an already meaningful event. The initiative engaged not only citizens but also representatives of various local organizations, such as the JW Marriott Venice, Venessia.com, and other Venetian associations.
The morning concluded with a strong sense of community and the understanding that art and collective participation can significantly contribute to promoting change.
Linda Damiano, President of the Municipal Council of Venice, declared: "On behalf of the entire Municipal Administration, I wish to extend heartfelt thanks to Elena Tagliapietra for choosing, through her creative and artistic talent, to support us in the fight against gender violence during this particularly significant year, marking the 30th anniversary of the Venice Anti-Violence Center. As reiterated on multiple occasions, violence against women is a cross-cutting issue that concerns everyone, with no exceptions. Building networks, providing concrete support to victims, and acting on multiple levels are the keys to addressing this terrible scourge as effectively as possible."
The Venice Anti-Violence Center also emphasized the importance of the event:
"To celebrate 30 years of our commitment to combating gender violence, we entrusted this performance to an artist capable of blending sensitivity and expressive strength. A united community can make a difference, and through the universal language of art, we aimed to transform past stories into a collective gesture of reflection and change."
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Elena Tagliapietra stated:
"In my opinion, art must inspire emotion, raise awareness, and provoke thought. With this performance, I wanted to create a space where everyone could feel part of a change, united by a message of hope and resilience. By forming a great human river, we shouted together, without words, that gender violence must end."
The event was organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Venice, the Municipal Council Presidency, and with the support of Europe Direct Venezia and Hotel Ruffini Palace. Special thanks go to Venice Beer for technical support, Leonardo Mizar Vianello for aerial footage, Dario Beltrame for streaming, and Daniele Fregonese for photographic documentation, with graphics by Greta Giorgetti.
Download video images here: https://we.tl/t-jLsjiPLWfe
For further information: Elena Tagliapietra +39 349 5939305
Follow Elena on Instagram to see more of her projects.
