Marco Cornini's sculptures in Pietrasanta

Getting to know the star of the summer exhibition better

What pathway have you created for the exhibition?

Wonder of Love, curated by Angelo Crespi, tells the story of my 35-year career: until 18 September some 40 works will be scattered over Piazza Duomo, Piazza Carducci and the Church and Cloister of Sant’Agostino. Sculptures in marble, bronze and terracotta, the latest of which were completed entirely during the past year and a half while living in Pietrasanta and frequenting local workshops and foundries. In particular, Piazza Duomo and Piazza Carducci will host five very large sculptures.

Where do your figures come from?

I don’t generally use models; I construct a story around each work, and imagine its protagonists. Sometimes I get inspiration from people I meet in real life, other times they’re pure imagination.

And why mostly women?

It’s a question of empathy; I like female sensuality and elegance. Although La Meraviglia, the large installation in Piazza Duomo, shows two young people sitting on a flower-covered hill, like a microcosm, and the focus is on the couple’s relationship.

Who were your teachers?

There are many, from Greek and Roman sculptors to the Renaissance, Cellini’s Mannerism, the Baroque, but also Martini, Manzù, Marini…stimulation, which I reinterpret in my own way.

You live in Milan and Pietrasanta; what is it you like about this town set between the mountains and the sea?

There’s no other place I can find so much artisan excellence and the opportunity to experiment with different materials with amazing results. And also I used to come here as a child; my love for this area began then.

A special place in Pietrasanta?

Piazza Duomo at sunset, sipping an aperitif with spectacular views of the mountains.

@marcocornini