The island of Capri, an eternal symbol of beauty, becomes the setting for “Spaceman Shiny”, the monumental work by Filippo Tincolini. Standing over four meters tall, the sculpture transforms Capri’s iconic Piazzetta into a space for reflection, bridging past and future. The artwork depicts a gleaming, chromed astronaut from whose surfaces flowers and leaves emerge—a symbol of nature's persistence, regeneration, and its dialogue with human progress.
With this piece, Tincolini presents a powerful metaphor: the fragile balance between technology and nature. The astronaut, the ultimate figure of space exploration and progress, is reinterpreted as a beacon of hope—a symbolic bridge between the unknown and humanity's earthly roots. The presence of flowers becomes a message of sustainable balance, urging viewers not to forget nature while looking toward the future.
The choice of Capri as the stage for “Spaceman Shiny” is deliberate. The island, with its blend of history, culture, and untouched nature, amplifies the sculpture’s meaning. Complementing the installation, the Liquid Art System gallery hosted an exhibition dedicated to Tincolini, featuring works from his “Flowered Soul” and “Ancient Gods” series, further exploring the dialogue between tradition and innovation.
Tincolini’s work has sparked divided opinions, as any great artwork does. Some praised the boldness of its contemporary language, while others perceived a challenge to the Piazzetta's historical identity. Yet this very reaction marks the success of the project: “Spaceman Shiny” provokes questions, ignites dialogue, and fosters new reflections, reaffirming art's role as a bridge between opposing yet complementary worlds.
With his innovative sculptural language, Filippo Tincolini confirms himself as one of the most compelling contemporary artists, capable of transforming an iconic space into one of confrontation, beauty, and poetry.