Disappearing Statue Honoring Bitcoin Founder Unveiled In Lugano

According to Cointelegraph, a new statue honoring Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto was unveiled in Lugano, Switzerland, over the weekend. The artwork, created by artist Valentina Picozzi, took 18 months of study and three months to build. Picozzi, known by her handle Satoshigallery on X, aimed to connect people to Bitcoin culture through this unique piece of art. The statue, which features a faceless figure working on a laptop, can only be clearly observed from the side. From the front or rear, viewers experience a see-through effect due to its slit design. Picozzi explained that the statue “disappears in front of the audience,” leaving “what’s left of Satoshi” visible “between the lines of the code.” The concept took 18 months to develop, incorporating the idea that “we are all Satoshi” by allowing viewers to place themselves behind the statue. Made from 304 stainless steel and corten block, the statue is currently displayed in front of Lugano’s Villa Ciani, a mid-1800s mansion now used for events. The unveiling was part of Plan B’s annual forum in Lugano, which brings together blockchain industry leaders, government officials, and Bitcoin enthusiasts. The event has been running for three years, and Picozzi noted that the statue also celebrates the event and the efforts of Lugano’s Mayor, Michele Foletti, to integrate blockchain technology into the city. Mayor Michele Foletti stated that the statue symbolizes Lugano’s commitment to digital innovation. “Lugano is rapidly becoming a leading hub for digital innovation, and this statue honors Satoshi Nakamoto but also embodies the forward-thinking spirit that drives our city,” he said. Picozzi added that Lugano has embraced Bitcoin for three years, earning the nickname “Bitcoin city.” She emphasized the importance of open-minded politicians like Foletti in fostering such advancements. While the statue’s current location is in Parco Ciani, Picozzi mentioned that it might be moved due to upcoming city works. However, it will remain part of the permanent collection of Parco Ciani. “As soon as I have the final location, I will share it with the community,” she said. Plan B is a joint venture between Lugano and stablecoin issuer Tether, aimed at promoting Bitcoin and blockchain technology to transform Lugano’s financial infrastructure. This is not the first statue dedicated to the pseudonymous Bitcoin creator. In 2021, a bronze depiction of Satoshi Nakamoto was erected in Budapest’s Graphisoft Park. Sculptors Gergely Réka and Tamás Gilly designed the figure with a mirrored face, allowing visitors to see themselves in the sculpture, symbolizing that anyone could be the Bitcoin creator.