Among the most recognized names in street art, Jorit Agoch stands out for his breathtakingly realistic portraits that not only captivate with their aesthetic beauty but also deliver profound social and political messages. Born in Naples, Jorit has transcended the boundaries of street art, merging it seamlessly with fine art techniques and activism.
Jorit’s signature style is instantly recognizable: hyper-realistic portraits that emphasize the humanity and individuality of his subjects. His works often feature prominent figures, from activists and revolutionaries to ordinary people, depicted with extraordinary detail. A hallmark of his murals is the two red stripes painted on his subjects’ faces—a symbolic gesture that Jorit describes as a “tribal marking,” representing their shared belonging to the human tribe.
This focus on unity and shared humanity underpins much of his work. Through his murals, Jorit addresses themes of social justice, equality, and resistance against oppression.
“For me, street art is just the medium. I’ve never painted a mural for the sake of it. The point isn’t painting, the point is to share a message that I believe is important to tell.”
Read my interview with jorit
Jorit’s technique reflects his background in both street art and fine art. He brings a painterly approach to the streets, using spray paint with the precision of a brush. His attention to detail—capturing every wrinkle, pore, and glint in the eye—gives his subjects a lifelike presence that feels almost photographic.
Where to Find Jorit’s Murals in Naples
With his global reach reflecting the universality of his message, Jorit has painted walls across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. However, the true essence of his work is deeply rooted in his hometown of Naples, where many of his most iconic murals can be found. In this article, I explore where to discover the most compelling Jorit murals in Naples and learn how his art transforms the city’s urban spaces.
Jorit Murals in Naples: San Gennaro
Among Jorit’s earliest murals is San Gennaro, patron of Naples, which he painted using as a model his coachbuilder friend named Gennaro -a controversial reference between the model and the painted person that dates back to Caravaggio.
You can find this mural at the entrance of Forcella neighborhood.
Jorit Murals in Naples: Maradona (and Niccolò)
When I interviewed Jorit a couple of years ago, I asked him about his favorite character among those he’s painted. Without hesitation, he replied, “Diego Maradona.” In 2017, Jorit created a monumental mural of Diego Armando Maradona at the entrance of Naples’ “Bronx,” a neighborhood once feared by many.
In 2018, Jorit expanded the piece into a diptych by painting a poignant portrait of Niccolò, a local autistic boy, next to Maradona, further cementing the mural’s emotional and cultural impact.
However, this iconic work, now a pilgrimage site for fans of both the artist and the legendary footballer, is facing demolition in the coming months. Along with the portrait of Che Guevara on the opposite end of the massive concrete building in San Giovanni a Teduccio, it is set to be removed as part of planned renovation works on the structure.
Murals by Jorit in Naples: Painting the Tallest Mural in the World
Still in Naples, Jorit tackled what he told me is the biggest challenge of his career: a 100-meter-high mural in the Centro Direzionale, Naples’ business district and the first cluster of skyscrapers built in Italy.
Commissioned by the Campania Region for the 2019 Universiade—an international multi-sport event that celebrated both sport and the city—this extraordinary piece is recognized as the tallest mural in the world. Painted on the side of one of the towering skyscrapers, the mural features the faces of five iconic athletes from Campania, each representing their province of birth.
From top to bottom, the mural includes Patrizio Oliva for Naples, Antonietta Di Martino for Salerno, Carmelo Imbriani for Benevento, Ferdinando Gentile for Caserta, and Fernando De Napoli for Avellino. This ambitious work not only celebrates regional sports icons but also highlights Jorit’s unparalleled skill in combining monumental scale with intricate realism.
Murals by Jorit in Naples: Ael
The first mural I ever saw by Jorit was this striking portrait at Parco dei Murales, a community-driven initiative in Ponticelli, a neglected area on the outskirts of Naples. The mural features Ael, a young Roma girl whom the artist met at a nearby Roma camp.
After the camp was tragically burned down, the anti-racism office sponsored this mural to convey an important social message in an area where integration remains a significant challenge. At the bottom of the mural, a stack of books symbolizes the belief that true racial integration begins with education. By ensuring Roma children have access to schools like any other child, the mural underscores the importance of culture, learning, and mutual understanding in overcoming racism.
Jorit Murals in Naples’ Barra Neighborhood
In Naples’ Barra neighborhood, there is one street that hosts four striking murals by Jorit as part of a project called “Rione dei Sogni” (Neighborhood of Dreams). One of these murals depicts three children peacefully sleeping, embodying the project’s core theme: the right of every child to dream, even when harsh realities may prevent those dreams from coming true.
In total, the project features five murals, including a piece by Chilean artist Inti. Here, let’s see the murals by Jorit, from left to right.
This collaborative work with South American muralist Mono Carrasco is a tribute to Salvador Allende, the Chilean president who died in 1973 during a military coup.
This mural is divided into three sections: Jorit painted Allende’s portrait at the center, while Mono Carrasco created the upper and lower sections to honor those who lost their lives or disappeared during Chile’s dictatorship.
Another captivating mural features the gaze of someone peering through a keyhole. This collaborative piece includes Jorit’s portrayal of the face, the Peruvian artist Calaveras’ depiction of the keffiyeh, and the Neapolitan artist Tukios’ lower section, symbolizing the Palestinian people’s struggle for the right to return home.
Jorit also paid homage to Martin Luther King in one of his “Rione dei Sogni” murals, selecting him as an icon of social justice. This work aims to engage young people with critical issues such as inclusion and the fight against racism, reinforcing the educational and inspirational impact of his art.
Jorit Murals in Naples: Ilaria Cucchi
On the walls of the “Casa della Socialità” in Naples’ Vomero district, Jorit created a powerful mural featuring the faces of Ilaria Cucchi and Sandro Pertini, the former President of the Italian Republic. Working alongside a group of young Neapolitans, Jorit chose subjects that symbolize the values of struggle and tolerance. Sandro Pertini’s portrait is accompanied by one of his famous quotes emphasizing these ideals, which have also inspired Ilaria Cucchi’s activism.
Jorit’s murals transcend the streets of Naples, leaving a profound imprint on both the city’s physical and cultural landscapes. His hyper-realistic portraits do more than beautify urban spaces; they provoke thought, foster dialogue, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. By focusing on the shared humanity of his subjects, Jorit bridges divides and inspires reflection on critical social issues. In a world often fragmented by conflict and inequality, his murals serve as powerful reminders of the values of unity, justice, and empathy. Through his art, Jorit not only tells compelling stories but also challenges viewers to engage deeply with the struggles and aspirations that define our shared existence.
Where to Find Jorit Murals in Naples?
Find these, and many more, murals in my Naples Street Art Map:
