Welcome to Shangai

Created as part of the ongoing artistic journey of Tor Marancia, UMAN’s Shanghaina continues the legacy of one of Rome’s most iconic urban art projects: Big City Life. The mural pays tribute to the neighborhood’s strong identity and to the community that has continued to protect, promote and enrich this unique open-air museum through years of dedication and perseverance. Replaced the original Caratoes work which was in bad shape.

The artwork takes inspiration from the historic Welcome to Shanghai mural and the symbolic number 35, both deeply connected to the story of Tor Marancia. UMAN transforms these references into a new chapter, creating Shanghaina, a name affectionately given to the work by local residents, blending memory, belonging and renewal.

For UMAN, the mural represents more than an artistic intervention; it is a celebration of the people who call Tor Marancia home. The residents and the Tor MarArte association have continued to pursue their collective vision of transforming their neighborhood through creativity, despite challenges and obstacles. Their commitment has made the area a powerful example of how art can strengthen community pride and redefine the perception of a place.

With Shanghaina, UMAN adds her own voice to a wall already rich with history, while honoring the artists and community members who came before her. The mural stands as a symbol of continuity: a reminder that urban art is a living process, shaped by collaboration, passion and the belief that beauty can help transform the world around us.