Trento's Esther Stocker Underpass Installation Sparks Public Debate
The city of Trento has tasked artist Esther Stocker with creating an abstract installation in the Via Canestrini underpass to replace existing graffiti. Stocker, a 52-year-old artist from South Tyrol residing in Vienna, has designed a series of irregular black-and-white lines that adorn the tunnel walls. This project, which was inaugurated on January 16, 2026, is part of a €22 million urban renewal initiative associated with the new intermodal hub in the former SIT area, supported by the PNRR. The underpass links the historic center to the hub, which will include a bus station, underground parking for 160 vehicles, and a 5,000 sqm rooftop garden. The installation cost €80,000 but was vandalized shortly after its debut. Concurrently, Stocker's exhibition 'Caos Calmo' was displayed at Galleria Civica.
Key facts
- Esther Stocker created a site-specific abstract installation in Trento's Via Canestrini underpass.
- The work was inaugurated on January 16, 2026.
- The underpass is part of a €22 million intermodal hub project funded by PNRR.
- The installation replaced existing graffiti and murals, including COVID-19 tribute murals.
- Total cost was €80,000, covering artist fee, waterproofing, lighting, and labor.
- Stocker is a 52-year-old South Tyrolean artist based in Vienna.
- Mayor Franco Inaselli defended the work as 'contemplative'.
- The work was vandalized with pencil marks days after opening; vandals were identified via CCTV.
- Stocker's solo show 'Caos Calmo' was at Galleria Civica (managed by Mart) concurrently.
- Deputy Mayor Elisabetta Bozzarelli proposed educational penalties for vandals.
Entities
Artists
- Esther Stocker
- Helga Marsala
Institutions
- Comune di Trento
- Galleria Civica
- Mart
- Artribune
- PNRR
Locations
- Trento
- Italy
- Via Canestrini
- Vienna
- Austria
- South Tyrol
- Rome