Olivier Grossetête: the French artist at the Farnese Bridge construction site

"I was inspired by Michelangelo's existing arch". This is how Olivier Grossetête, the French artist and creator of the "Farnese Bridge" installation, narrated the project's genesis, which at 6.30 pm on Tuesday, July 13, will make the dream of Cardinal Farnese float in Rome's skies: a bridge to connect the two banks of the Tiber, between the Farnese Palace and the Farnesina Villa.

"We could not have done it on water, due to the width of the Tiber, which is quite large - said Olivier Grossetête - so we thought it would be better to create something symbolic ... an extension".

In these hours, Grossetête is working with his assistants to fine-tune the installation that will be completed tomorrow, at the end of a path that has also seen citizens' involvement. «For me - Grossetête explained - these are works of architecture, but also social works. The journey is just as important as the result. What I love about creation is the act of creation itself: it is full of energy and knowledge, and this is what makes us want to participate with the public ".

Participation, sustainability, cultural protection: this is the meaning of the initiative promoted by the French Embassy and the Institut français Italia, and realized thanks to Webuild's support, in collaboration with Villa Farnesina-Accademia dei Lincei.