Olivier Grossetête's cardboard installation built and destroyed in Milan

On July 8–9, 2023, Cascina Merlata in Milan hosted Connessioni, a participatory art installation by French artist Olivier Grossetête (b. 1973, Paris). The work was constructed from 1,500 cardboard boxes and 30 kilometers of tape, reaching 16 meters in height and 24 meters in length, weighing one ton. On July 8, the public assembled the structure; on July 9, it was dismantled and sustainably disposed of. Grossetête collaborated with six young artists—Gonzalo Bascuñan (Santiago, 1982), Larissa Bergamaschi (Brazil, 1980), Marco Petrone (Milan, 1983), Gaia Michela Russo, Rebecca Sforzani (Bologna, 1990), and Tommaso Tresso (Turin, 1996)—all part of the Reclaim Our Future project. This initiative, founded in Milan by LopLop, mare culturale urbano, and Quartiere Digitale, aims to create a physical and digital space for artistic research and experimentation across three neighborhoods: Cascina Merlata/Gallaratese, Redo Merezzate, and San Siro. The project includes artist residencies, workshops, and performances to promote inclusion and cultural participation. In 2023, the Rebuild Our Future residency, curated by Grossetête, allowed the six artists to live in the neighborhoods and study the urban fabric. During the two-day event, workshops for children and adults, food trucks, and live music were also offered.