Here we stand before “Fragile,” a powerful and symbolic work by SteReal, the artistic name of Milanese street artist Stefania Marchetto, born in 1987.

SteReal’s passion for drawing has been with her since childhood, guiding her academic path toward the world of art. However, personal circumstances forced her to temporarily step away from this pursuit. But at the age of 31, a turning point came when she was invited to create a mural during a major street art festival. From that moment, her life changed radically, giving birth to SteReal, one of the most recognizable voices in Italian urban art.

Highly active in the Milanese and international scenes, SteReal has left her mark in cities across Italy and the world, earning her a prominent place among female figures in urban art. Among her most monumental works is “Corpus Meum,” a 360-square-meter mural at Prologis Park Lodi. Her creations are distinguished by a highly realistic style, reflecting her academic background in the attention to detail and precision of her figures.

The common thread throughout SteReal’s work is the condition of women: strong, brave, and charismatic women who have fought for their rights, becoming symbols of resilience and empowerment. Her artistic journey is deeply connected to a personal reflection on the challenges women face in a society that often subjects them to violence and discrimination.

This theme takes center stage in “Fragile,” the piece she created here at the Prologis Museum of Urban Art. SteReal uses the container as a metaphor for female fragility, depicting it as a damaged box that has been worn down during its journey. Across the tears and cracks in the container, the words “Fragile – handle with care” appear—a warning that mirrors the struggles and hardships many women face in their lives.

On the front of the container, we see the image of a woman lying down, her torso partially trapped inside the box. The image is a powerful metaphor: like the precious contents of a package, the woman deserves protection, care, and respect.

SteReal’s message is clear and strong: “handle women with care.” We must not mistreat them, but rather protect them and recognize their strength, which, though fragile, is vital for the balance of our society. The piece is an invitation to reflect on respect and female dignity, a message that resonates powerfully from every detail of the artwork.