Allegro is a work by Turin artist Ugo Nespolo located in the fountain on Viale Secondo Moretti, one of the main streets of the city center. In truth, the sculpture's original title was "The Sneer", initially given by the artist a time-honored idea in the drawer, waiting for the right opportunity to materialize. But now, inserted in the context of San Benedetto, it seemed right to give the work a different value, more tied to the sensations it arouses to passersby.
The structure of Allegro
The fountain is rich in colors that are reflected in the water in a game that aims to be one of joy and light-hearted admiration. The colors used are yellow, red, white, black, purple, and cobalt blue. Essentially, it consists of a big eye that emerges from the tangle of the structure, a star that shines on the opposite side, a funny minnow and a large, impudent and sinuous one Language which rises to the top of the sculpture. Furthermore, it is possible to sit around the fountain. Everything in this work by Nespolo represents play, joy and lightheartedness. And it helps to give an image of verve, light-hearted admiration that arouses in the eye of the beholder.
The inauguration and the misadventure of Allegro
The inauguration of the work took place in August 1999, in the presence of the pre-finalist girls who participated in Miss Italy, in official costume. The winner was Manila Nazzaro. Caterina Balivo also participated in the competition, finishing third. Nespolo's sculpture is accompanied by a bronze miniature created by the local sculptor. Theodosius Campanelli As part of a project to make the city center accessible to the blind and visually impaired, the miniature was torn from its base and removed by vandals. But thanks to expert restoration work by the artist himself, together with specialists, Design and Maintenance of Public Works, was put back in its place again.
A few words about the author of Allegro
Ugo Nespolo Born in 1941, he graduated from the Albertina Academy of Fine Arts in Turin and earned a degree in Modern Literature. In the 1960s, he moved to New York, where he was swept away by the cosmopolitan life of the metropolis and was fascinated by the nascent Pop art. His passion for the moviesHe made several films starring his friends and colleagues. Enrico Baj (author of Ubu's Greeting), Michelangelo Pistoletto, and Lucio Fontana. The concept of art and life underpins Nespolo's expressiveness.
Hence also his interest in design, applied art and creative experimentation in various fields. He works on multiple media and different techniques: wood, metal, glass, ceramics, fabric, precious stones. His art is closely linked to the live dailyThe object is at the center of his research, it is a means of expression and a creative language. Allegro, therefore, is a work funny who wants to give a touch of joy and lightheartedness to the city's "living room", qualities which are increasingly rare in our times.
Thanks for the cover image: flickr.com
