Pietro Porcinai and Pinocchio's Park in Collodi, Italy: Art, Garden, Landscape

摘要

Pinocchio's Park was created within a context of great historical significance, as it is located near one of the most lavish examples of eighteenth century gardens, Villa Garzoni, the ancient fortified dwelling of Collodi. This innovative model of contemporary amusement garden with art also reflects the aesthetics of the traditional Tuscan rural landscape. It is an example of rare artistic, cultural and historical relevance created, "to the measures of infancy", over a twenty-year period in post-war Italy with the aim of boosting the local economy. To this day, it still represents a unique model of landscape-meets-art. From the moment it appeared, Pinocchio's Park succeeded in making real a mental landscape already existing for so many children dreaming about their friend Pinocchio. It brought to life an environmental art form ahead of its time, set in a garden reminiscent of childhood with sculptures, architectural follies and furnishings, which echo the events of a fairytale familiar to millions. It created an "imaginative reality" providing the setting for a meta-language of fun and games based on art and didactics, visually referring to the surrounding landscape.