The statue, designed by Italian artist Valentina Piccozzi, consisted of layers of fading lines that create an illusion of Satoshi Nakamoto's image (the unknown creator of Bitcoin) when viewed from a specific angle, while transforming into code when viewed directly. The statue has been installed at the site since late 2024.
Key Information:
- The statue was found in a nearby lake after being reported missing on Sunday.
- The statue was part of Lugano's efforts to become a global center for Bitcoin.
- The "Satoshi Exhibition" offered a reward of 0.1 Bitcoin for anyone who helps in its recovery.
The exhibition reported the statue's disappearance on August 3, as images showed an empty ground where the statue once stood. The statue was installed on October 25, 2024, during the "Plan B" Bitcoin forum, as part of a collaboration between Lugano and Swiss-Tizer to enhance the city's status as a hub for digital currencies.
X (Twitter) user @Grittoshi suspected that the statue might have been thrown into the nearby lake, which was later confirmed when it was found there. He mentioned that the theft might be related to Swiss National Day celebrations (August 1).
The extent of the damage to the statue has not yet been determined, but Piccozzi suggested repairing it using the Japanese kintsugi method, which involves restoring broken pieces with precious metals like gold or silver.
A petition was launched asking the city of Lugano to provide logistical and security support for restoring the statue, although Piccozzi is willing to cover the costs.
This incident comes a week after the unveiling of **the third statue of Satoshi Nakamoto in Tokyo, as part of the exhibition project to showcase statues in 21 locations around the world.