La Totalità Sculpture

Have you ever seen a sculpture that seems to defy gravity? Here at the Giardino Grosa, rising over nine meters tall, stands La Totalità. This glass marvel, by Greek artist Costas Varotsos, appears to be in perpetual motion. It’s a dance of light and form, a testament to Turin’s resilience and its embrace of the future. La Totalità wasn’t always here. It was originally installed in Piazza Benefica in 1999. This was a time when Turin was grappling with deindustrialization and an identity crisis. Varotsos, inspired by a 5th-century BCE Greek sculpture, “The Elusive Figure,” envisioned a piece that symbolized looking forward while acknowledging the past. The sculpture’s glass plates, layered in a spiral on a metal frame, embody this forward momentum, while its tilted form gives a nod to history. Over time, La Totalità in Piazza Benefica suffered from the elements and, sadly, pigeons. The city, recognizing its value, partnered with Intesa Sanpaolo and the La Venaria Reale Conservation and Restoration Center to give it a new home. Here, in the Giardino Grosa, it stands revitalized. The inclined metal core is even more pronounced, enhancing the sense of dynamic movement. A small hill and protective shrubs cradle the sculpture, offering a perfect vantage point while guarding against vandalism. La Totalità is more than just a sculpture. It’s a symbol of Turin’s journey. A journey of transformation, resilience, and a commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. It’s a reminder that even in the face of challenges, we can move forward while honoring our past. Each time you pass by, let La Totalità be a friendly reminder of this city’s dynamic spirit and its connection to the broader European narrative of history and progress.