Talking statues of Rome #6 Marforio (2023), PAR, Palazzo Nuovo, Rome IT

Over the past 500 years, the genuine and vernacular spirit of Rome has spoken in anonymity through six statues scattered throughout the historic center, collectively known as the Congress of Wits.

Weaving together contemporary art, archaeology, architecture, and history, I conceived and presented the series Talking Statues of Rome during the summer of 2023. Each statue served me as a muse, suggesting a distinct theme that I then proposed to each participant. I invited each sitter to share their personal story and to leave a few words behind, transforming these encounters into an ongoing dialogue woven into the very fabric of the city.

Marforio is a large Roman statue from the 1st century, likely representing a river god. Originally near the Roman Forum, it was moved in the late 1500s to its current location in the courtyard of Palazzo Nuovo at the Capitoline Museums.

I reached out to him by email, clearly outlining my intentions and formally requesting both authorisation and support to present the final performance. Unsurprisingly, my enquiry went unanswered.