Michelangelo Pistoletto, 86, Recovers from COVID-19, Reflects on Third Paradise

Michelangelo Pistoletto (Biella, 1933), aged 86, has recovered from COVID-19 after being hospitalized at Ponderano hospital near Biella. In an interview with Artribune, he discusses his experience, the pandemic's origins, and his Third Paradise symbol. Pistoletto spent a month in care, avoiding pneumonia, and used the solitude for reflection. He links the pandemic to an imbalance between humanity and nature, advocating for a new equilibrium through his Third Paradise concept—a tripartite symbol representing the fusion of Nature and Artifice. He emphasizes that art must be engaged, not merely decorative. Meanwhile, a new video of his 2017 performance "Walking Sculpture" (from the Sfera di giornali series) is now available on Magazzino Italian Art's Vimeo page. The performance, commissioned by Magazzino Italian Art, took place in Cold Spring, NY on November 4, 2017, marking 50 years since its 1967 debut in Turin. The work involves rolling a large ball of newspaper pages, commenting on information circulation and art's interaction with the public. The new version was donated to Magazzino Italian Art's permanent collection. Pistoletto continues his work through Cittadellarte and UNIDEE Academy, focusing on education and art as social responsibility, now via online platforms.