ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Mike Nelson installs FIAT engine sculpture in Turin's Sangone river

exhibition · 2026-04-26

Mike Nelson, a British artist born in 1967 in Loughborough, has unveiled a site-specific installation named IDOLO along the Sangone river, adjacent to a pedestrian cycle bridge in Turin's Mirafiori district, historically associated with FIAT. This piece features a FIAT 650 N engine adorned with gilded elements, positioned in shallow waters where it alternates between being submerged and exposed due to seasonal fluctuations. Marking the first permanent public artwork in Mirafiori, IDOLO is part of the 'Mirafiori dopo il Mito | Arte' initiative by the Fondazione della Comunità di Mirafiori, which has been operational since 2008. Nelson was chosen by a panel of five contemporary art experts. The installation was inaugurated on October 16, 2025, with celebrations continuing until October 18. The work reflects themes of adventure and treasure, highlighting the region's industrial legacy.

Key facts

  • Mike Nelson created IDOLO, a FIAT 650 N engine with gilded parts, placed in the Sangone river in Turin's Mirafiori district.
  • The work is the first permanent public art piece for the Mirafiori regeneration project 'Mirafiori dopo il Mito | Arte'.
  • The project was led by Fondazione della Comunità di Mirafiori, active since 2008.
  • A panel of five experts selected Nelson: Francesca Comisso, Marianna Vecellio, Rita Cararo, Orietta Brombin, and Chiara Lucchini.
  • The inauguration took place on October 16, 2025, with events until October 18.
  • Nelson is represented by Galleria Franco Noero in Turin.
  • The Sangone river was used as a film set in the 1950s for Salgari adventure stories set in India.
  • The artwork is site-specific and interacts with seasonal water levels.

Entities

Artists

  • Mike Nelson

Institutions

  • Fondazione della Comunità di Mirafiori
  • Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea
  • Kallipolis
  • PAV – Parco Arte Vivente
  • Urban Lab Torino
  • Galleria Franco Noero
  • a.titolo
  • Città di Torino
  • Polo del '900

Locations

  • Loughborough
  • Turin
  • Mirafiori
  • Sangone river
  • Italy
  • Monaco

Sources