Luminous Sardines Illuminate the Seabed of Talamone: Massimo Catalani's One-Night Installation for Ferragosto
On August 15, 2026, the seabed near Lido delle Donne beach in Talamone was transformed by Massimo Catalani's installation, 'A Ferragosto vanno al mare.' This artwork featured a luminous trail of 460 sardines, extending 200 meters and located at depths between 4 to 8 meters. Made from recycled polystyrene, the project enlisted the help of many volunteers and was situated among the sculptures of the underwater museum, Casa dei Pesci. Over eighty individuals, accompanied by professional divers from Argentario Scuba Point, snorkeled to view the installation. Piergiorgio Stipa highlighted the importance of safeguarding marine ecosystems, while Mauro Barbisan remarked on the emotional resonance for participants. Roberta Pisa suggested that this event could evolve into a Ferragosto tradition.
Key facts
- Massimo Catalani created the one-night installation 'A Ferragosto vanno al mare' on 15 August 2026.
- The work comprised 460 luminescent sardines placed on the seabed off Lido delle Donne, Talamone.
- The glowing path extended approximately 200 meters at depths varying from 4 to 8 meters.
- The sardines were made from recycled polystyrene from food trays, with the help of volunteers.
- The installation was set among the sculptures of the Casa dei Pesci underwater museum.
- Over 80 people participated in guided night snorkeling organized by Argentario Scuba Point.
- Piergiorgio Stipa, president of Casa dei Pesci, spoke about the need to preserve the marine ecosystem.
- Diving guide Mauro Barbisan helped tie the sardines to the seabed and guided participant groups.
Entities
Artists
- Massimo Catalani
- Gabriele D'Annunzio
- Roberta Pisa
- Piergiorgio Stipa
- Mauro Barbisan
- Nicole
- Fabio
- Tommaso
- Annalisa
- Alessandro
- Ilaria
- Max
Institutions
- Casa dei Pesci
- Argentario Scuba Point
Locations
- Talamone
- Italy
- Lido delle Donne
- Rome
- Treviso