The new major installation by acclaimed French contemporary artist JR, whose work combines photography and street art, reinterprets the façade of the Renaissance palazzo, opening it up to reveal a vision of an interior at once real and imaginary achieved with a black and white photographic collage to trigger a debate on the accessibility of culture in the age of Covid-19.
‘La Ferita’ imagines the Renaissance palazzo with a deep wound or gash revealing the interior of the building with some of Florence’s most iconic artworks occupying the space. Measuring 28 metres tall and 33 metres wide, this monumental photographic collage works like an anamorphosis, an illusion in which, observed from a specific viewpoint, various areas of the Palazzo Strozzi – the colonnade in the courtyard, an imaginary exhibition hall and a library – open up as a wound.
By including iconic works of Florence’s art heritage and directly citing real places such as the library of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi sul Rinascimento, JR proposes a reflection on accessibility not only to Palazzo Strozzi but to all cultural sites in the era of Covid-19.
Palazzo Strozzi becomes the spectacular stage for a symbolic yet painful wound suffered by all cultural institutions both in Italy and abroad. JR also adds a new dimension to his ongoing dialogue with art history by transforming the façade of the Palazzo Strozzi into a ‘Trompe l’œil’, a reference to architectural perspectives and the painted depiction of illusions which, from the 16th century onwards, allowed artists to portray an illusory depth into the thickness of brick or stone by applying their perspective studies to sheer walling.
Until 29 August 2021
The installation launches the Palazzo Strozzi Future Art Programme, developed by the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi with philanthropist Andy Bianchedi in memory of his mother, Hillary Merkus Recordati.
Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi supporters: Comune di Firenze, Regione Toscana, Camera di Commercio di Firenze, Comitato dei Partner di Palazzo Strozzi, Fondazione CR Firenze, Intesa Sanpaolo.
With the patronage of Institut français Firenze. Thanks to Galleria Continua for their support with JR’s project.
JR, The Wound, 2021, Florence, Palazzo Strozzi © Photo Ela Bialkowska, OKNOstudio
