Untitled, Alberto Garutti, 2005

For the 10th edition of Art to Art, all the curators who had participated in previous editions were involved, who invited Alberto Garutti to work on a project at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Buonconvento.

“I think of the church not only as a place of worship but also as a space permeated by culture and centuries-old traditions.
I also think of those who find daily support for their everyday lives within it.
I have also thought of those who do not frequent it but live a religious sentiment, and still others who secularly feel it as a popular expression of belonging to the town community.
I have reflected on the latent need for spirituality already present in many collective forms, on the need for artistry, and on how unthinkable cities are without churches, mosques, synagogues, and every other sacred place.

And so, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Art to Art X and with the support of the Department of Culture, in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, I created a work consisting of thousands of light bulbs on the wall of the left nave.
Every citizen of Buonconvento and anyone who wishes, from anywhere in the world, can, by dialing this number (+39 0577 806793) on their phone, turn on a small light as a sign of spirituality.
The project stipulates that the cost of each call will be partly donated for the construction of water purification plants in Sri Lanka.
This work is dedicated to the inhabitants of this town and to all those who, even from very far away, wish to pass through here with just a thought.”

Alberto Garutti, Arte all’Arte X, 2005