Maria Cristina Finucci's 1,500 sqm 'Help' Installation on Mozia Island

On September 24, 2016, artist Maria Cristina Finucci unveiled 'Help, the Age of Plastic' on Mozia Island, Sicily, within the archaeological area of Stagnone di Marsala. The installation consists of 5 million used plastic bottle caps hand-assembled into metal structures forming the word 'Help' across 1,500 square meters, with letters up to 4 meters tall. The work is part of her larger 'Wasteland' project and is recognized as a 'state' by UNESCO since 2013, complete with a flag, stamps, and official documents. It will remain on view until January 8, 2017. Finucci's previous environmental performances have appeared at the Venice Biennale, MAXXI, Fondazione Bracco, COP21 in Paris, and the UN General Assembly in New York. The installation features LED lighting at night and aims to raise awareness about plastic waste. Sub-secretary of Cultural Heritage Antimo Cesaro praised the project as a collaboration between public and private entities.