20.10. 2020

The basic idea is to deceptively elevate the church Santa Maria della Spina through a theory of mirrors placed in correspondence with the façade on the Arno. The reflective surfaces form a median line, between water and stone, between nature and architecture. A limbo that is actually a place of encounter, dialog and exchange, where the natural element joins the artificial one that mimics its shape, surface and the related effects of dynamics and light.

The artist draws attention to a specific theme: the relationship between man and nature. He wants to make us think about one aspect: the communication between two opposites. Only when man acts in harmony with nature, respecting its rules, with the awareness of his own finiteness and subordination, only then can a state of balance, communion and life emerge.

Simone Lingua focuses on two elements: the architectural structure and water. He limits his intervention to the supporting structure of the church and covers it with reflective surfaces. The mirror acts as a space of transition: the stone takes on the appearance of water, becoming transparent, reflective, crystalline, light and even dynamic. As the natural element takes its course in this way, its effects are ultimately amplified and reflected by the mirrored surface. In this way, man and nature are united, connected through an artificial product, imitating the effect of water instead of the tangible, heavy, solid and impenetrable consistency of the stone structure. At the same time, the generating power of nature is revealed: Water as a force that protects, defends, absorbs and envelops what has been created by man.

The intervention is based on the integral respect of the structures: the mirrored panels will be placed in fact, by design, against the underlying part of the architecture. The installation is simple and non-invasive in accordance with the historical and protected parts. This, we stress, is in line with the conceptual part of the project, which aims to be a tribute to the landscape, architectural and naturalistic dimension of the city.

Tiziana Tommei