Among 150 artworks submitted by artists from across Italy, a creation by Albisola Superiore artist Paolo Pastorino was selected, bringing Diabolik and Eva Kant into the world of Urban Toy Art.

Albisola-based artist Paolo Pastorino was named among the 20 winners, along with six additional award recipients, of the contemporary art competition “In Arte… Diabolik: Eva Kant, A Perfect Accomplice”, organized by PUG and publishing house Astorina Srl, thanks to his two artworks entitled “The Black Couple.”

Pastorino received his award last Saturday at the UNAHotel Cusani in Milan, during celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Eva Kant, the clever and seductive comic book heroine with emerald-green eyes, who made her first appearance in the third issue of the iconic Italian comic series Diabolik.

The competition attracted 150 artworks submitted by artists from all over Italy. Among the selected pieces was Pastorino’s creation, which will remain on display as part of the exhibition until June 27.

Pastorino is also the creator of the iconic “Osvaldo” sculptures, distinctive rabbit-shaped characters with stylized, zoomorphic forms, displayed in Piazza Dante in Albisola Superiore.

These sculptures originated from an artistic project inspired by the Toy Art movement, which brings together visual influences from manga illustrations, video games, comic books and contemporary pop culture.

On May 21, another Osvaldo sculpture was unveiled, created in collaboration with painter Mirella Clotilde Fiore.

Presented at Atico Savona, the artwork combined contemporary Pop Art design with traditional decorative painting techniques, bringing together two artistic approaches in a unique four-handed collaboration.

By Luciano Parodi