Felice Varini's Psychedelic Fortress Installation Sparks Controversy in Carcassonne
Swiss artist Felice Varini (born 1952 in Locarno) has created a site-specific anamorphic installation on the medieval fortress of Carcassonne in southern France. The work, consisting of yellow concentric circles made from temporary, fully removable aluminum strips, covers the entire western front of the fortress. When viewed from the correct angle, the design creates an optical illusion that appears to suck the castle into a fluorescent spiral. The piece was commissioned by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, a public institution under the French Ministry of Culture, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Carcassonne's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Despite the official backing, the installation has sparked significant controversy among local residents. The work is on view until the end of September.
Key facts
- Felice Varini was born in Locarno in 1952.
- The installation is located on the medieval fortress of Carcassonne in southern France.
- The work features yellow concentric circles on the western front of the fortress.
- The design uses anamorphosis and optical illusion principles.
- The piece is made from temporary, fully removable aluminum strips.
- The Centre des Monuments Nationaux commissioned the work.
- The installation celebrates the 20th anniversary of Carcassonne's UNESCO listing.
- The work has sparked controversy among local residents.
- The installation is visible until the end of September.
Entities
Artists
- Felice Varini
Institutions
- Centre des Monuments Nationaux
- Ministry of Culture (France)
- UNESCO
Locations
- Locarno
- Switzerland
- Carcassonne
- France