Studio Orta

The main square Walthersplatz in the Tyrolean town of Bolzano was chosen by Lucy + Jorge Orta as the setting for an open-air dinner for 170 guests from different cultural, political and ethnic organisations. Bolzano borders Austria, Switzerland and Germany and is an important gastronomic and wine region, hence the central motif of the porcelain plate that resembles a heart-shaped bunch of grapes. The four-course menu served to the guests was based on the writings of the medieval scholar Walther, and his monument was encircled by the table setting. Passers-by were invited to join the discussions and during the meal, guests were requested to move seven seats to their right creating numerous surprising encounters, especially when members of the opposing political parties found themselves face to face.