Italian street artist 'Grandpa Dante' draws crowds in Kaifeng

(ECNS) -- Italian street artist Marco, known as “Grandpa Dante”, made his debut in China at Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City in Kaifeng, Henan Province, attracting visitors with his distinctive costume and interactive performances. 

For 26 years, Marco has dressed in a robe and portrayed the Italian poet Dante outside the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

He began his career in theater before turning to street performance, which he said helped him discover his passion for art.

Marco adapts his performances to the atmosphere and the audience's reactions, seeing street art as a form of real-time communication with the public.

Touched by the warm welcome from Chinese visitors, he said the affection he received was unlike anything he had experienced before, describing it as a unique experience.

(By Helen Mo & intern Liu Shuangjing)