Internationally renowned Milanese artist Maria Cristina Carlini has gifted the city of Milan her monumental sculpture, Obelisk. This permanent piece is displayed just a few steps from her historic and beautiful studio on Via Savona. Initially showcased at the Superstudio Più on Via Tortona, a 15-minute walk from her studio, the sculpture made its debut at the 2016 Superdesign Show, engaging in a dialogue with international design.

It's incredible how a piece of art can redefine and forever change the perception of urban space. Piazza Berlinguer, previously a lesser-known, peripheral area, now boasts a new visage, becoming not only more beautiful but also emanating the allure of a European square, brimming with cultural vibrancy and efforts towards the neighborhood's revitalization.
Maria Cristina Carlini's Obelisk, now permanently placed in the piazza, stands over 4 meters tall and is crafted from reclaimed wood and corten steel. The wooden core, featuring holes, curves, and fractures indicative of its previous life as part of an old stable structure, is enveloped in a sleek steel covering. This combination of vastly different materials creates a profound dialogue and harmonious aesthetic balance.
Behind the sculpture, in the 19th-century building housing Municipio 6, a photography exhibition is on display until June 30th. This exhibition highlights significant moments in the artist’s journey and features her monumental works across three continents (America, Asia, and Europe). Videos and interviews provide insights into key stages of Carlini’s career. Notably, she was the first contemporary artist to exhibit in the Forbidden City, Beijing (2010).
Perhaps it should happen more often that the city celebrates contemporary artists and figures who have made Milan great in public spaces accessible to everyone. This not only returns the beauty and culture often confined to museums and galleries but also recognizes the essential role these individuals play in enlivening the cultural and social fabric of the area.

"OBELISCO" by Maria Cristina Carlini, permanently in Piazza Berlinguer, Milan. Curated by Flaminio Gualdoni - Exhibition at Municipio 6, Spazio Seicentro - Sala Arianna, Via Savona 99 - dates: June 21 - 30, 2024. Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-12:30 / 13:30-18:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:30-13:30 / 15:00-19:00 -Studio Visits to Maria Cristina Carlini’s Studio at Via Savona, 97: By appointment only. Tel: +39 328 5910857