A groundbreaking sculpture honoring the enigmatic founder of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, has been unveiled in Lugano, Switzerland. Created by artist Valentina Picozzi, the statue took 18 months of research and development, followed by three months of meticulous construction.
Picozzi, also known as Satoshigallery, aimed to establish a connection between people and the culture of Bitcoin through her art. The project was a labor of love, taking a total of 21 months to complete due to its unique and intricate features.
The statue depicts a faceless figure engrossed in working on a laptop. However, its distinctive design means that it can only be fully appreciated from the side. When viewed from the front or rear, the sculpture appears transparent, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Picozzi explained, “The statue seems to vanish before the audience’s eyes, leaving behind only fragments of Satoshi visible within the lines of the code.”
Crafted from high-quality materials such as 304 stainless steel and corten block, the statue now stands proudly in front of Villa Ciani, a historic mansion built in the mid-1800s that serves as a venue for various events in Lugano.
The unveiling of the statue took place during Plan B’s annual forum in Lugano, a gathering of industry leaders, government officials, and Bitcoin enthusiasts dedicated to exploring the potential of blockchain technology. This event has been running for three years and is a significant milestone for both the forum and the city.
Picozzi expressed her gratitude to the Mayor of Lugano, Michele Foletti, for his support in bringing blockchain technology to the city. She emphasized that the statue not only pays tribute to Satoshi Nakamoto but also symbolizes Lugano’s commitment to innovation and progress.
Foletti himself acknowledged the statue as a representation of Lugano’s dedication to digital advancements, stating, “Lugano is rapidly emerging as a prominent hub for digital innovation, and this statue honors Satoshi Nakamoto while embodying the visionary spirit that drives our city.”
Although the current location of the statue is in Parco Ciani, in front of Villa Ciani, Picozzi revealed that its final resting place is yet to be determined. Nevertheless, it will remain a permanent part of the Parco Ciani collection.
Interestingly, this is not the first time that a city has chosen to immortalize the mysterious Bitcoin creator. Budapest’s Graphisoft Park erected a bronze statue of Satoshi Nakamoto in 2021. Sculptors Gergely Réka and Tamás Gilly intentionally designed the figure with a hooded face, which features a mirrored surface. This design allows visitors to see their own reflections in the sculpture, symbolizing the idea that anyone could potentially be the true identity behind Bitcoin’s creator.