Is it possible for a work of art developed in bronze, a compound of inert materials, to “walk” along with pilgrims? It does if we are speaking about "Golden Roots" by Mariagrazia Pontorno, a work that will be inaugurated near the San Francesco Beech Tree in Rivodutri (Province of Rieti) on Friday, October 4.
The three works of art, including “Golden Roots,” will be integrated into the landscape of the “Beech Tree of San Francesco” Natural Monument along the walk for pilgrims to reach the sacred tree. The works will arise naturally out of the countryside, confirming the pilgrim in progressing correctly on the walk and to offer them a place to sit and admire the beauty of the area.
The only element that allows one to distinguish the golden roots from the surrounding vegetation is the golden finish. “It is a symbol of the extraordinary event and the value of the traditions of the sacred,” explains the artist. “As if the roots of the plant accompanied pilgrims underground and only emerged here and there to confirm they were progressing in the right direction.”
This is the final detail that Mariagrazia Pontorno has revealed to us before the work is unveiled on Friday, October 4 [see news: Clay Shapes and Material Needs]. The project is one of the winners of the Regione Lazio Call for art on walks - Arte sui cammini – for pilgrims.
