What if I told you this isn’t a cage for birds, but for humans? This is La Voliera per Umani, a thought-provoking sculpture by Giuliano Mauri. Right here in Parco di Monza, this dome of interwoven branches challenges our perceptions of freedom and enclosure. Inaugurated in 2006, La Voliera per Umani was built entirely from materials found within the park: sturdy chestnut, elm, and beech wood, along with mud and ropes. This reflects Mauri’s philosophy of working with, not against, nature. He even recruited local craftsmen to help him, ensuring the project had a local touch. Notice the central pillar, woven from branches, called the “heart of ceremonies.” This isn’t just a cage; it’s a space for reflection and even celebration. Mauri envisioned this as a temporary installation, a living sculpture that would eventually return to nature. As years pass, the wood will weather, the ropes will loosen, and the structure will slowly merge with the landscape. This embodies the ephemeral nature of art and life itself, reminding us that nothing lasts forever. So step inside, experience the unusual sensation of being within this human aviary, and contemplate your own relationship with the natural world. La Voliera per Umani is more than just a sculpture; it’s an invitation to think differently about our place in the grand scheme of things.
Nuovo Cimitero di Cologno Monzese
“A timeless sanctuary,” the old woman whispered, her gaze fixed on the rows of marble within Nuovo Cimitero di Cologno