IL Giardino de Tarocchi
We know Italy for its incredible artworks throughout the centuries. We are familiar with the paintings of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, and Da Vinci. IL Giardino de Tarocchi is not like any of the great masters of art. They are large, colorful, cartoony and outdoors. The artist who came up with these tarot card sculpture concepts was Niki de Saint Phalle.
She is one of the few women that is known for working with metal sculptures. Phalle was a French–American, who was inspired by Arturo Gaudí and the Parc Güell, which is outside the famous Barcelona church, La Familial Segrada Her idea was to intertwine nature with sculptures that represent 22 of the major arcana that are in a tarot card deck. The intent was to build her own garden of Eden. Friends donated a property for the project in Maremma, Tuscany, near the city of Capalbio.
The medium she used to design these statues is a frame of steel covered in concrete, mirrors, colored glass and ceramics. These colossal creations took 17 years to complete. This extensive project was done by collaborating with other contemporary artists and husband Jean Tinguely. Between the exhibit’s size and color, it feels like going to an Alice in Wonderland world.
They arranged the sculptures to give a view of the artist’s life. Unfortunately, the materials that were used to construct the sculptures led to health problems. Phalle struggled with emphysema, asthma and severe arthritis, believed to be produced by glass fragments. Due to these infirmities, Phalle moved to a more friendly environment, San Diego, California. She continued creating and curating exhibitions, until her death. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle is an example of her work in Escondido, California at Carson Park. Saint Phalle succumbed to respiratory failure on May 21, 2002.
If you love art and outdoor exhibitions, and you’re in the Tuscany region, then you should go see The Garden of Tarot Card. While you’re in Capalbio, climb to the top to see a stunning view of the landscape. whatthehellonline.com
