You live and work in Como, but what do you show about Como when you want to explain the beauty?
Como has a lot to show. But the historic center is divided in two: on one side the fascinating historic city, on the other the modern part built in the sixties, an urban mess.
A city monster?
But the building behind Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Perretta remain a real scandal: it is an opprobrium. This part was built on an urban demolition project for the historic center of Como, planned by Giuseppe Terragni, what they tell us is not all gold.
His latest city work is a cable car that connects the two shores of the lake.
Yes, connecting the dead-end tourist bank of Villa Geno with the opposite bank of Villa del Grumello is not a utopia but a project that will have to be addressed sooner or later.
How is Como?
A phase of stasis passes. He must find his identity again. It should aim for artistic creativity, involving all positive forces.
What are its places?
I move with great passion in the streets of my past: via Vitani, via Diaz. The historic center is fascinating for me also because it reminds me of my youth.
What is one place where you have been happy?
Gardens on the lake. As a boy I went to study on a bench and I loved it, I even gave a girl a few kisses there.
What kind of inspiration does this city offer?
Como is ideal for creating because it allows you to meditate and work in silence: beautiful and not distracting.
Have you ever thought about living elsewhere?
Yes, I lived short periods in Pordenone and Reggio Emilia, I worked a lot in Milan. But my good retreat is always Como, with its provincial and haughty air.
But can anyone compare with her today?
Today there are very good young artists, but the idea of innovation, of rebellion, which must be the distinctive character of an artist, is missing.
What is the biggest mistake you made in his life?
Perhaps the worst was having little faith in my possibilities. But luckily I’m good at recoveries and looking forward.
An underrated Como man?
In Como you are only appreciated if you are part of an entourage, of which luckily I am not part. Friends of friends protect each other, and block the development of the city.
How wonderful is it to live well from your art?
I’ve always wanted to be an artist and an architect, thank goodness I managed to do it: I wouldn’t change this profession for any other in the world.
