Eight urban installations take center stage in Gorizia | Nova Gorica, European Capital of Culture 2025, until September 8.
The peaceful invasion of Cracking Art’s colorful animals has been inaugurated in Gorizia. The initiative is promoted by the Chamber of Commerce of Venezia Giulia for Nova Gorica and Gorizia, European Capital of Culture 2025, in collaboration with the Municipality of Gorizia.
“We aimed to animate the city’s visit in every sense,” commented Antonio Paoletti, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Venezia Giulia, “with the presence of oversized, colorful animals to create a contemporary fable that engages visitors of all ages through direct interaction with the artwork. The material used—regenerated and regenerable plastic—addresses themes of sustainability and the relationship between human beings and technological progress.”
The Cracking Art artistic group consists of Italian, Belgian, and French artists and was founded in Biella on December 1, 1993, exactly one month after the Maastricht Treaty came into force, establishing the European Community. With their works integrated into urban settings, the artists have created over 500 installations worldwide, promoting themes such as collaboration and inclusivity.
“Placed in various locations around the city, the installations aim to engage and make all visitors protagonists of this special occasion, emphasizing that culture belongs to everyone and should be accessible without borders,” highlight the artists of the Cracking Art group.
The installations guide visitors through the city’s hidden corners at a time when it is buzzing with cultural activities.
“A fable of colors and symbols, where each animal represents a message,” concludes Paoletti, “with an itinerary linked to a digital map: by scanning the QR Codes on the totems near the installations with a smartphone, visitors can access information about the artwork and its location (in Italian, English, Slovenian, and German), ensuring a complete interaction between place, artwork, and audience.”
