Asad Raza transforms deconsecrated Milan church into tennis court
Asad Raza's installation 'Untitled (plot for dialogue)' turns the deconsecrated Chiesa di San Paolo Converso in Milan into an interactive tennis court until December 16, 2017. The 16th-century church, built between 1549 and 1619 and deconsecrated in 1808 under Napoleonic edict, has served as a warehouse, concert hall, and recording studio (hosting Maria Callas and Mina). Raza's work includes coatings, lines, nets, rackets, jasmine iced tea, and coaches, inviting visitors to play long matches. The artist frames the sport as a meditation on spirituality and the need for recreation in a work-oriented society, emphasizing dialogue over competition.
Key facts
- Asad Raza (US, 1974) created 'Untitled (plot for dialogue)' at Chiesa di San Paolo Converso, Milan.
- The church was built between 1549 and 1619 and deconsecrated in 1808.
- It was used as a warehouse until 1932, then restored as a concert hall.
- From the 1960s to 1980s, it served as a recording studio for Maria Callas and Mina.
- The installation runs until December 16, 2017.
- Visitors can play tennis-like games with coaches and jasmine iced tea.
- Raza sees the activity as a reflection on recreation versus work.
- The work emphasizes dialogue and symbolic energy release over competition.
Entities
Artists
- Asad Raza
- Maria Callas
- Mina
Institutions
- Chiesa di San Paolo Converso
- Isisuf – Istituto Internazionale di Studi sul Futurismo di Milano
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Piazza Sant’Eufemia 3