The artistic piece, which transformed a side chapel in the baroque part of the temple, originated from an earlier proposal by the merchants' association ACOPA, which asked Pisano to collaborate on Christmas lighting. The artist created doves bearing the flags of Palestine and Israel, a simple intervention symbolizing peace and the end of wars. Later, Father Martirià Brugada suggested to Pisano that this idea be expanded within the parish, leading to the Mural of Peace.
According to the Revista de Palafrugell from July 2006, Pisano worked on the piece full-time and altruistically, considering it a personal contribution to the town that had welcomed him. Initially planned as a fresco, the artist adapted the technique due to physical issues, resulting in a mixed-language piece combining ceramics (approximately 60%), tempera, watercolor, gold, brass, stained glass, and stoneware, playing with light, reflections, and texture.
The mural is structured in three parts: The Creation, inspired by the Tapestry of Creation from Girona; The Crucifixion, featuring a Romanesque-style Christ incorporating movement; and The Tree of Life. The ensemble is complemented by a stained-glass window, a central lamp, and two forged candelabra. The central piece, The Crucifixion, dialogues with Palafrugell, incorporating elements like the church of Sant Martí in the background, reviving an ancient convention where painters set religious scenes in familiar local landscapes.
The project had a strong collective dimension, with the collaboration of ceramicist Joan Raventós from la Bisbal, the stained-glass workshop of Josep Maria Bonet (linked to the Sagrada Família), and Lluís Gich from Palafrugell for the forging and brass work. The stained glass, featuring a dove surrounded by the flags of Israel and Palestine, reinforces the symbolism of peace and hope for brotherhood between cultures, connecting with the idea's origin.
The inauguration on July 20 filled the church. Rector Martirià Brugada highlighted the parish's commitment to recovering sacred artistic heritage through local artists and spoke of cultural cross-pollination. Pisano reiterated his disinterested participation. The event included diverse music and voices, featuring the choir Akan, the duo Llama (formed by Sílvia Pérez Cruz and Ravid Goldschmidt), and cellists Josep and Ramon Bassal, underscoring the cultural dialogue and the mural's initial intent.
The artist, born in Italy and residing in Palafrugell since 1990, has developed a career marked by his connection to the Mediterranean. The Mural of Peace is a unique work that transcends the liturgical sphere, combining contemporary creation with traditional crafts, and speaking of peace through a specific conflict and a universal symbol, deeply rooted in the cultural and artisanal life of Palafrugell.
