Tusculum Ignis

Tusculum Ignis is set against the backdrop of the recent fires in Tuscolo (south of Rome, Italy), an ancient site that stretches back to pre-Roman times. In the summer 2024, a large fire swept through this area, where I reside, leaving a prominent mark on the landscape.

The structure of the sculpture is made from three branches that I gathered during the walk leading to the burn area. At its center, the remnants of the fire — a burnt stick, char, and ashes collected on site — are the source of the suspended ‘’drawing’’, which was created by rubbing a piece of paper onto the burnt ground. 

These elements anchor the work in the physical aftermath of the event, producing a sensory experience that immerses the visitor in the fire’s presence through the poignant scent of burnt matter.

Featuring a vertical sequence that alternates natural forces (the fire’s action on the stick) and human intervention (my collaborative action on the paper), the light structure of the sculpture offers a space to reflect on the interplay between nature and culture and their fluid boundaries.