Inv. no. P 266, 50 x 53 x 100 cm, 1981
Inv. no. P 286, 42 x 81 x 54 cm, 1983
Inv. no. P 293, 30 x 20 x 82, 1989
Inv. no. P 294, 21 x 31 x 82, 1989
Inv. no. P 295, 14 x 15 x 90, 1989
Inv. no. P 297, 20 x 30 x 82, 1989
Inv. no. P 298, 17 x 40 x 80, 1989
Inv. no. P 315, 90 x 10 x 50, 1989
An environment is a type of installation of large dimensions, which the visitor can enter. The Arte Utile environment is Poggi’s special derivation of this art form. An environment encompasses the entire space, thus intervening into its architecture. The AU environments are architectural solutions, arrangements of public squares, and can also be situated outdoors. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Koroška (KGLU) houses more than 50 of Poggi’s proposals for AU environments, which were created in the form of wooden architectural models.
Most of Poggi’s environments are ideologically based on the Neoplatonic idea of absolution: they invite visitors to enter the created space and achieve enlightenment by passing through and viewing it.
The AU Environment “Sword of Damocles” is one of the most often realised Poggi’s themes in the form of models. He created as many as 8 models, one of which was realized in 1989 at Art Basel and achieved a great response. Later, the work was purchased by the Museum of Art Lucerne, where it is still located today.
Text: Jernej Kožar
