Emanuele Fasciani's CRISOPÈA Transforms Ancient Washhouse in Guidonia Montecelio

Emanuele Fasciani (Rome, 1994) has created CRISOPÈA, a site-specific installation in the ancient washhouse of Guidonia Montecelio, part of Lazio Contemporaneo 2022. The work features branches made of wax and bitumen that appear to grow from the washhouse's cisterns, transitioning from dark black to luminous gold to symbolize change as the essence of life, referencing Heraclitus's concept of panta rhei. Curated by Valentina Muzi, the installation interacts directly with the 19th-century basins of the recently restored historic site, now reconverted into an exhibition space. The title CRISOPÈA alludes to the alchemical art of transforming metal into gold, emphasizing art's therapeutic power as a vital flow for purification and self-discovery. The project includes two talks on October 12 and 19, featuring artist and curator dialogues with independent contemporary art figures such as Christophe Constantin, former artistic director of Spazio In Situ; Riccardo Paris, former artistic director of Condotto48; and Caterina Angelucci, curator at Endless Residency and editor for Artribune. The installation is open until October 31.