Porta Nuova, Tadashi Kawamata, 2004

For the IX edition of Arte all’Arte, curators Achille Bonito Oliva and James Putnam invited Tadashi Kawamata to create an intervention in Colle Val D’Elsa with the creation of Porta Nuova.

“In his project for Arte all’Arte IV, Kawamata analyzes the meaning and importance of a site in terms of its history and the life of the local people, drawn to the investigation of the spirit of the forgotten Porta Nuova in Colle di Val d’Elsa.

This medieval gate, which provides access to the city center, underwent extensive restoration that revealed its original bridge. The original wooden gate has been lost, making it impossible to reconstruct its original form. Kawamata built a ‘new gate’ in collaboration with a local craftsman. In contrast to his usual use of reclaimed materials, Kawamata chose new wood for this project and repositioned his new gate in its original location. It symbolizes the conclusion of a long restoration program, a landmark to be celebrated, revitalizing the historical connection between the city and its people. Around the perimeter of the restoration site, Kawamata also installed an exhibition of drawings of the ancient gate, created by children from local schools, breathing new life into the past through the future generations of Colle di Val d’Elsa."

“Arte all’Arte IX”, 2004