Rebecca Horn in Naples: skulls in the piazza

German artist Rebecca Horn has placed 333 metal skulls in piazza del Plebiscito in Naples for the Christmas period. The skulls are fixed with metal rods into the ground in front of the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola, facing upwards where 77 rings are hanging. Completing the installation of the 333 skulls, illuminated by neon, is a poem by the same artist fixed under the portico of the basilica of San Francesco da Paola.

The skulls fixed to the ground are lit in such a way to prevent people tripping over them. So what was the inspiration behind such as unusual installation? The artist said she had in mind the events of 11 September. “Starting with the pain of the tragedy at Ground Zero I had an idea of symbolic bands of light which create a kind of liberating voyage from pain. A voyage within pain and from pain, therefore, which in piazza del Plebiscito will see its conclusion”.

Neopolitan culture has also provided inspiration for Rebecca – the skulls which seem to dialogue between each other, looking up symbolise the city’s desire to move on. At the opening, art critic Achille Bonito Oliva, consultant for cultural heritage for the region, also explained that the heads, as well as bringing good luck, also refer to the myth of Don Giovanni by Mozart (on at the San Carlo in Naples), and in particular the legend of the captain’s skull, object of devotion in the cemetery of Fontanelle alla Sanità.

The reception by the public has been almost too favourable – some curious citizens have been touching them for good luck, others have been tripping over them. Others have stolen a couple during the night – immediately replaced. The installations –thieves permitting – will stay in the piazza until 6 January. dida Rebecca Horn, “Spiriti di madreperla” Piazza del Plebiscito, Napoli, 2002

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