Pisa: Angels by Igor Mitoraj
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To celebrate the 950th anniversary of the Duomo of Pisa, Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj will present an exhibition commissioned by the Opera della Primaziale Pisana in a new space created to house temporary exhibitions. On display through January 15, 2015, tourists will have plenty of time to explore the new exhibit while visiting the nearby Leaning Tower.
The event marks 950 years since the laying of the foundation stone for the Duomo of Pisa and it is the first time a contemporary artist has been invited to exhibit in the piazza containing the Leaning Tower alongside the Duomo. The city hopes that the new exhibition space will create a dialogue about the differences between past and present; the vast difference between the contemporary art that will be presented and the ancient architecture and frescos adorning them that decorate the traditional piazza. Architect Alberto Bartalini, Antonio Paolucci, director of the Vatican Museums, Francesco Buranelli, Secretary of the Pontifi cal Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church and art critic Luca Beatrice have all been involved in the creation of the new space and inaugural exhibition. The new exhibition space has been created inside the ancient cathedral, creating an immediate contrast between the old and the new.
One hundred artworks will be on display, including Mitoraj’s larger works, bronzes, iron casts and sculptures. Fifty preparatory models from the artist’s personal collection that have never been exhibited to the public will also be on display. Mitoraj has created signifi cant commissioned works in the past, including the gates for the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome, bronze doors for the Jesuit church in Warsaw, Poland and a group of sculptures for the Vatican Museums. The works selected for the “Angels” exhibition were carefully chosen to symbolize serenity and peace.
“Angels” presents not just an opportunity to view work by a well known Polish sculptor but also to engage in a discussion about the differences between ancient and modern art. For those in Florence, a quick day trip to Pisa to view the works is a worthwhile use of time and creates an important dialogue to consider when taking in the abundance of Renaissance art in Tuscany.
