Studio Orta

Fabulae Romanae depicts a symbolic excursus across the Rome through the eyes of the city’s Genius Loci. These spirits draw from archaeological and historical research, and observations on the cultural and social map of the city. They are multi-faceted characters that interrogate social, anthropological, and philosophical themes and question art’s critical force in recounting and addressing the emergencies of contemporary living. The spirits take to the streets of Rome and perform short actions in symbolic locations, they become contemporary sentinels who silently interact with the city’s landscape. 

The ‘Traveller’ is found under the Castel Sant'Angelo bridge and in the Trastevere back streets; the ‘Observer’ overlooks the Sacro Cuore dei Monti and the Isola Tiberina; the ‘Tunneler’ and the ‘Myth Maker’ live in the ancient Roman gardens of the Villa Gregoriana, alongside the other characters; the ‘Flying Man’, ‘Chariot Rider’, ‘Memory Man’ and the ‘Bale Maker’. The meanderings of these Genius Loci are accompanied by the audio-poem written by Mario Petrucci. Narrated in Italian and English, adding a further layer to the metaphorical journey. 

Fabulae Romanae was commissioned by ZegnArt for Lucy + Jorge Orta’s solo exhibition at the MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts Rome, Italy (22 March – 23 September 2012)