Tarot Garden.
Created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle (wife of Jean Tinguely) between 1979/1996.
Though technically it’s more of a sculpture park than a garden (the planting seems scrubby and incidental and its hard to detect the hand of a gardener in the place). But what sculptures, over 20 Giant mosaic statues representing cards from the tarot. Some are so large you can live in them and she did. A most joyous creative space with more exuberant invention per square inch then we have ever seen, the scale is breathtaking. It’s the most fun you can have standing up, (after skiing of course) We come away fired with enthusiasm and ideas and suddenly realise one of the shortcomings of travelling, it is essentially a passive experience and we both miss the actual act of creativity.
Back to the lovely Bolsena and a trip down the medieval high street to the local shop. All fruit and veg are locally grown delicious and cheap as chips (the volcanic soil is immensely fertile). We discover a local peach that is flattened like a doughnut and has the most luscious pale flesh that fits so nicely in the hand, we make complete pigs of ourselves.
The Sorceress.
No idea what they are but arnt they fab?
Great fo kids of all ages.
The Devil (one on the right)
I love this! The last one with the big mouth was fab, but imagine the big mouth with a mosaic covering. I definately want to order one! And how can the devil be so colourful and fun?
ReplyDeleteI know that the baroque was beginning to appeal again, but this is wow, wow, wow!!! do I also spot a touch of the Gaudi influence going on? A bit Parc Guell?
And those boobs (the Sorcoress Rob!!) what magnificent boobs!
ReplyDeleteI;m so niave I didn't see the boobies first time round so had to have another look.
ReplyDeleteI think every garden should have one of these!