Emily Jacir's permanent sculpture 'Pietrapertosa' installed in Basilicata

Emily Jacir's circular stone sculpture 'Pietrapertosa' has been permanently installed in the community garden of the Gardentopia project in Pietrapertosa, Basilicata, since August 4, 2021. The work, made from stone from the Gorgoglione quarries, measures 179 cm in diameter and 6 cm thick, and bears two inscriptions—one in Italian and one in Arabic—both translating to 'You came among our people and your life is safe.' The piece was previously exhibited in Turin at the Fondazione Merz exhibition 'Push The Limits' (September 2020–February 2021). It was conceived during Jacir's residency for Matera 2019, the European Capital of Culture. The installation was presented by Jacir, mayor Maria Cavuoti, Fondazione Matera Basilicata 2019 director Giovanni Oliva, and manager Rossella Tarantino, with musical accompaniment by the Complesso Bandistico Città di Pietrapertosa and DJ Daniele Antezza. The work explores hospitality, a value linking the local community to the Arab quarter 'Arabata' in Pietrapertosa. Jacir, a Golden Lion winner at the 52nd Venice Biennale, noted that the work projects the village beyond national borders into a shared ancient history connecting Pietrapertosa to Palestine. The journey of the sculpture from the Dolomiti Lucane to Turin and back is itself considered an artistic action reflecting migration and cultural exchange between Italy's north and south.