Luke Jerram's 'Gaia' and Voldemārs Johansons' 'Thirst' at Mattatoio, Rome

After the opening of Andrea Galvani's exhibition 'La sottigliezza delle cose elevate' curated by Angel Moya Garcìa, the Mattatoio in Rome activated two installations in summer 2020. British artist Luke Jerram's outdoor piece 'Gaia', a giant suspended Earth, was on view from July 29 to August 3, 2020, allowing the public to reappropriate the central avenue linking Lungotevere and Ponte Testaccio with Piazza Orazio Giustiniani. The installation hosted free events blending performances, environmental and mythological discussions, concerts, and children's workshops. Participants included musician Davide 'Boosta' Dileo, choreographer Alessandro Sciarroni, writer Loredana Lipperini, artistic group Kinkaleri, philosopher Leonardo Caffo, DJ Deena Abdelwahed, researchers Sara Gainsforth and Giacomo Maria Salerno, singer Ginevra di Marco, and philosopher Emanuele Coccia. Children's activities were led by the Laboratorio d'arte di Palazzo delle Esposizioni and the Compagnia I Sacchi di Sabbia/Teatro delle Briciole. Latvian artist Voldemārs Johansons' video installation 'Thirst', depicting a stormy sea referencing William Turner, ran from July 31 to August 16, 2020, inside one of La Pelanda's theaters. The work presents nature's dual aspect: contemplative beauty versus fear of direct experience. Both installations were curated by Ilaria Mancia as part of the triennial project 'Dispositivi Visibili'.