Daniela Spaletra's 'In Pectore' Installation in Carrara
Artist Daniela Spaletra (Turin, 1965) spent three years researching the 1921 murder of Renato Lazzeri and Gisella Bianchi, sparked by Claretta Lazzeri wearing a red peony, deemed subversive by fascists. Her site-specific installation 'In Pectore' (2021) at the Church of Santa Maria delle Lacrime in Carrara traces Claretta's path from Via Carriona 32 to the Fontana della Sirena. Hundreds of red fabric flowers stain the marble portico, while inside a video presents two versions of the story: a dialect narration and a mock trial without verdict. The judge removes his robe and exits with documents, leaving judgment suspended. Spaletra aims to activate individual and collective memory, inviting viewers to reach their own 'in pectore' sentence, echoing Claretta's flower worn on her chest. Carrara, a historic anarchist stronghold, saw the tragedy as a precursor to fascist violence against workers' leagues and socialist circles.
Key facts
- Daniela Spaletra's 'In Pectore' installation is at the Church of Santa Maria delle Lacrime in Carrara.
- The work commemorates the 2 June 1921 murder of Renato Lazzeri and Gisella Bianchi by fascists.
- The murder was triggered by Claretta Lazzeri wearing a red peony, seen as a subversive act.
- Spaletra traced Claretta's route with a red line from Via Carriona 32 to the Fontana della Sirena.
- Hundreds of red fabric flowers are placed on the marble portico floor.
- Inside the church, a video presents a popular version in Carrara dialect and a mock trial without verdict.
- The judge in the video removes his robe and exits with judicial documents.
- Carrara was a center of anarchist activity during the fascist regime.
Entities
Artists
- Daniela Spaletra
Institutions
- Archivio di Stato
- Chiesa della Madonna delle Lacrime
- Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Lacrime
- Artribune
Locations
- Torino
- Carrara
- Via Carriona
- Fontana della Sirena
- Italy