Alessandro Bulgini's Taranto Opera Viva 2018 Transforms Urban Wreckage into Community Art
For the third year in a row, Alessandro Bulgini has spearheaded his independent initiative, Taranto Opera Viva, in his hometown of Taranto, Italy. After relocating to Livorno and Turin, he showcased his work at the FlashBack modern art fair. Since its inception in 2015, Opera Viva has blended art with everyday life beyond traditional institutions. In 2018, the project was financed through connections within the local community. A highlight involves repainting a shipwreck in Mar Piccolo, turning it into a tourist draw. Bulgini also embellished other vessels, established 'Urban Gardens,' and placed galleon-themed tarps over bus stops. Additional efforts included 'Qui si gioca seriamente,' emoticons in public areas, and collaboration with Liceo Artistico Calò Lisippo students, all documented on social media.
Key facts
- Alessandro Bulgini initiated Taranto Opera Viva in 2015.
- The 2018 edition was the third iteration of the project.
- Bulgini repaints a shipwreck in the Mar Piccolo annually.
- The shipwreck has been present for over 30 years.
- The project is entirely independent, with no institutional support in 2017 and 2018.
- Bulgini is known locally as 'il rosso' (the red one) for his red jumpsuit.
- He decorated the winning boat of the Palio di Taranto.
- He collaborated with Liceo Artistico Calò Lisippo of Taranto on an urban garden raft.
- Interventions include billiard knobs, emoticons, and fish crates.
- The project was documented on social media.
Entities
Artists
- Alessandro Bulgini
Institutions
- FlashBack
- Galleria Cosessantuno
- Liceo Artistico Calò Lisippo di Taranto
- Caffè Letterario Cibo per la mente
Locations
- Taranto
- Livorno
- Turin
- Mar Piccolo
- Puglia
- Italy