These days, a piercing on one´s face or body is quite en vogue. Personally, I don´t have any, however “the piercing of Turin” is quite extraordinary, and deserves a mention as a Turin curiosity.
In Turin´s historic centre, this piercing can be found in the most unexpected place, on an historic building, in the oldest neighborhood of the city. When you are standing in the lovely little square Piazzetta Corpus Domini, look up to the edge of the 4th floor of the palazzo in front of the church. What a surprise!
This artwork was designed by Cliostraat, a group of young artists in the 90s. It caused quite a sensation at the time, but contrary to the expectations, the Torinese have become quite familiar with it.
The two souls of the city
There is an interesting meaning of this work of art. In a symbolic way, the piercing of Turin puts together the two souls of the city, which has changed a lot over the last centuries.
On one side of the ring, there are some blood drops painted in blue, recalling the aristocratic past of the capital of Piedmont. On the opposite side the blood drops painted in red evoke the proletarian, working city of the 20th Century.
Torino lost the prestige of being the first capital of Italy in favor of Florence in 1865 and then of Rome in 1871. Soon after, Turin became the hub of the car manufacturing industry of the country, what a cultural difference!
In the “piercing of Turin” sculpture, history and modernity are tied in a harmonious embrace, Urban Kisses is, in fact, the title of the installation.
Street art
Many more street artworks can be found throughout the city. For instance, the installation ” Echo ” designed by the French artist Marc Didou, that you can see on this picture.
Enjoy discovering them on you own or, if you prefer, accompanied by a professional guide, to explore a different side to Turin.