In the scorching heat of mid-summer Capri, Piazzetta Umberto I buzzes with activity, as tourists and locals mingle under the golden late afternoon sun. Affectionately known as "La Piazzetta," this spot is a small paradise that perfectly embodies the essence of island life. Situated high above the Marina Grande harbor, the square opens up like an open-air living room with historic cafés and elegant restaurants overlooking a breathtaking view: on one side, the island’s lush hills, and on the other, the shimmering sea stretching out to the horizon, dotted with boats and yachts coming and going. The air is filled with Mediterranean scents, a mix of salty sea breeze, flowers, and freshly prepared food from the nearby restaurants.
In this idyllic setting, since August 5th, the “Spaceman Shiny” by Tuscan sculptor Filippo Tincolini stands tall, an astronaut over four meters high, dominating the square like a futuristic guardian. The sculpture, made of light blue fluorescent resin, immediately captures attention with its luminous and dynamic appearance, reflecting how technology illuminates and sometimes overshadows our natural world. But there’s more to this technological figure. Leaves and flowers emerge from the astronaut’s spacesuit, introducing a natural element that contrasts with the synthetic material of the sculpture. These vegetal details represent the inherent “naturalness” of the human being, a reminder not to lose sight of our essence as we project ourselves into the abstract dimensions of space exploration.
The concept of “going beyond measure within measure,” which Tincolini embraces in his art, is clearly visible in Spaceman Shiny. “Beyond measure” refers to the artist’s ability to push beyond conventional limits, exploring new frontiers and posing existential questions through his work. The giant astronaut represents just that: a journey into the unknown, a challenge to the boundaries of reality. The “measure,” on the other hand, is found in the deep historical and artistic knowledge (as he shared with us in this interview) and the technical mastery that Tincolini has acquired over the years. Every detail of the work is the result of careful study and relentless research, blending tradition and innovation in perfect balance.
A few steps from the square, the Liquid Art System gallery hosts other works by Tincolini, creating an ideal path between the public installation and a more intimate and reflective setting. The interior of the gallery is an oasis of calm, a place where time slows down, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the art. Here, the “Flowered Soul” and “Ancient Gods” series coexist in a silent dialogue between classical sculpture and modern innovation. The marble works, sculpted with a mastery that recalls the millennia-old traditions of Carrara, offer a fascinating contrast to the technological astronaut in the piazzetta.
As evening falls, Piazzetta Umberto I is bathed in a warm and soft light, lending an almost magical atmosphere to the installation. The astronaut glows under the spotlights, continuing to capture the attention and imagination of all. Voices lower, and a serene quiet envelops the island, while Tincolini’s art continues to offer a bridge between reality and dreams, an invitation to explore the unknown and reflect on one's existence, providing a possible way out of the labyrinth of life.
