From faces to shapes about nature and spirituality, these works of art are seen more and more frequently along the streets of Rome, and they're quite popular.
Their author is Andrea Gandini. At only 23 years old, he's already left his mark in many corners of Rome.
ANDREA GANDINI
Artist
“What I do is adapt to what is already there. My objective is to give dignity to that which can be considered trash. It isn't actually trash. A tree trunk is a living being.”
From the age of 17, Andrea has transformed his workshop into a real space from which to let his imagination soar, to then put all hands on deck in the streets.
ANDREA GANDINI
Artist
“As Michelangelo used to say, 'making a sculpture is bringing out the soul that's inside the material,' be it a bust or whatever shape. It's similar to an archaeologist's work. I think about their work, when they dig in the dirt looking for a historical piece. I feel more like them and less like a great artist or painter.”
Andrea aims to transmit a message with his works: a combination of ecology, responsibility and art. His canvases are the trunks of chopped-down trees scattered throughout Rome.
The work doesn't end when he finishes a piece. He says it's an art that belongs to everyone.
ANDREA GANDINI
Artist
“Generally, sculptures that take more time to complete allow me to better get to know the people who will interact with them. It's also my job to make friends with them and teach them to care for the pieces. I create them, and the people take care of them. That's important, even if I stop by every now and then to check on them and restore them.”
After completing nearly 70 works around the streets of Rome, one of Andrea's objectives is to leave his mark on a tree trunk in front of one of the icons of the Eternal City: the Colosseum.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: CT
