Il Terzo Paradiso
Michelangelo Pistoletto
Curated by Sandro Orlandi Stagl and Phil Mer
The Third Paradise represents the fusion of the first and second paradises. The first is where humans were fully integrated into nature. The second is the artificial paradise, developed by human intelligence, up to the global dimensions reached today with science and technology. This paradise is made of artificial needs, artificial products, artificial comforts, artificial pleasures, and every other kind of artifice. A true artificial world has formed, which, with exponential progression, generates, alongside beneficial effects, irreversible processes of degradation and consumption of the natural world. The Third Paradise is the third phase of humanity, which is realized in the balanced connection between artifice and nature.
Third Paradise means the transition to a new stage of planetary civilization, indispensable to ensure the survival of the human race. To this end, it is first necessary to reform the principles and ethical behaviors that guide common life.
The Third Paradise is the great myth that leads everyone to assume personal responsibility in the global vision. The term paradise comes from the ancient Persian language and means "protected garden". We are the gardeners who must protect this planet and care for the human society that inhabits it.
The symbol of the Third Paradise, a reconfiguration of the mathematical sign of infinity, is composed of three consecutive circles. The two outer circles represent all the diversities and antinomies, including nature and artifice. The central one is the interpenetration between the opposite circles and represents the generative womb of the new humanity.
The project is curated by Sandro Orlandi Stagl and Phil Mer.
Sandro Orlandi Stagl is an Italian designer and curator with extensive experience in the fields of design and architecture. A design graduate, he has collaborated with international studios and institutions, developing innovative and multidisciplinary projects. His creative vision focuses on blending aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, with an approach aimed at enhancing cultural and natural contexts.
Phil Mer, former name Philipp Mersa, is a musician, composer, art historian, curator and collector. Grandson of the Mersa family who hosted the artist at Ciasa Jocl from his first stay in Calfosch, Phil met and frequented Siegward Sprotte during his teenage years.
Credits
The work was funded by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Bolzano and realized in collaboration with the Fondazione Pistoletto – Cittadellarte, SMACH, Phil Mer, Sandro Orlandi Stagl, Paolo Mozzo, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano and the Councillor for Ladin Education and Culture, Daniel Alfreider – with the support of Impianti Colfosco, Stefan Dapoz, Alta Badia, Decor, VBC Consulting, and with the help of Noor Ebrahim, Khalid Bouruki, Simon Irsara and Samuel Pizzinini.
Exhibit place Passo Gardena, Colfosco
The artwork is located in the Plans area on the Passo Gardena in Colfosco, Val Badia (BZ), in a meadow provided by the Mersa family, adjacent to a charming forest with a stream, at the foot of the Sella Group. The artwork is accessible via a pedestrian and cycling path as well as from the provincial road SS243 of Passo Gardena and is visible from above to those crossing the Pass, climbers on the Tridentina Ferrata, and visitors of the Plans Frara ski lift (part of the Sellaronda route), whose mid-station is just a few tens of meters from the meadow. The artwork is also clearly visible during the winter season, given its proximity to the ski slope, placing it "at the center" of the tourist traffic in the valley and reaching many people with its message.
This artwork was realized with the support of:
SMACH, Fondazione Pistoletto - Cittadellarte, Phil Mer, Sandro Orlandi Stagl, Paolo Mozzo (artantide.com) and Provincia Autonoma Bolzano, Regione Autonoma Trentino-Alto Adige;
